Springboks
The Springboks have boasted some of the greatest lock forwards the game has ever seen, and here we attempt to rank the best ever No 5s.
Some iconic locks have played for the Springboks over the years, and here we take on the incredible challenge of attempting to rank the top three of all time.
TOP THREE SPRINGBOK NO 5 LOCKS OF ALL TIME
1 Victor Matfield
Victor Matfield’s record as the most-capped Springbok of all time has only just been surpassed by Eben Etzebeth, and there is no doubt that his 127 Test appearances speak volumes about a remarkable career built on the pillars of supreme leadership, lineout prowess, and tactical nous.
Matfield’s work ethic and dedication were also the stuff of legend, particularly his lineout analysis that set him apart as a player who not only dominated this facet of play on the field, but who was also a trendsetter off it.
The towering lock ended his iconic Test career at the age of 38, and with a litany of records as well as the reputation as one of the greatest Springboks of all time.
2 Louis Moolman
Among those that were privileged enough to see Moolman in action during the 1980s, there are many who believe that the powerful lock was actually the greatest No 5 that South Africa has ever.
Another player with a top tier reputation in the lineouts, Moolman played in 24 Tests and forged a special legacy both with the Springboks and Northern Transvaal.
Former Springbok captain Wynand Claassen, who played with Moolman since their junior days at Tukkies, was one of those who unequivocally described Louis Moolman as one of the ‘greats’”‘ of South African rugby.
“We played together at nearly every level from club level to Springbok. Louis beat the best from all over the world. One never needed to motivate him. He was always ready and was a man of stature on the field.”
3 Mark Andrews
Another iconic figure, widely recognised for his trademark headband, Andrews was an imposing powerhouse in the Springbok forward ranks between 1994 and 2001.
After winning the World Cup with a crucial performance at eighthman in the final, he became a fixture in the starting team in his specialist position of lock, and formed part of the Springboks’ first-ever Tri-Nations triumph in 1998
His international career spanned 77 Test matches, during which time he crossed the tryline 12 times, while forming formidable partnerships with fellow locks like Kobus Wiese and Krynauw Otto.
