Over time, the Springboks have been blessed to have the ability to name on the companies of some exceptional athletes within the all-important openside flank position.
It’s no simple to activity to rank the best three, however listed below are our podium picks, having thought-about gamers from all generations.
TOP THREE SPRINGBOK OPENSIDE FLANKS OF ALL TIME
1 Schalk Burger
The last word Springbok dynamo, Burger was a generational expertise who had the flexibility to function throughout all three again row positions, whereas he usually popped up within the backline in open play – such was his pace and ability.
But, there isn’t a doubt that Burger made his largest affect when sporting the Springbok No 6 jersey, often displaying the kind of dynamism and cutting-edge affect that set him aside as a world rugby nice over an unforgettable 86-cap profession.
There’ll absolutely by no means be one other participant like Burger, and he most actually deserves to fit in on the prime of this listing.
2 Siya Kolisi
From Francois Pienaar to Siya Kolisi, the Springbok No 6 jersey has change into synonymous with iconic gamers and leaders, and the present nationwide captain will definitely go away the jersey in a greater place when he finally hangs up his bots.
Kolisi presently sits on the prime of the all-time listing for begins as a Springbok flank, and by the point he retires, that report could stand the check of time.
The abrasive flanker has usually mentioned he looks like ‘tremendous man’ within the Springbok jersey, and there may be no debate concerning the affect he has made on the nationwide staff, each on and off the sphere. Within the present golden era of Springboks, he has change into nearly irreplaceable, together with his legacy already properly established as an all-time nice.
3 Ruben Kruger
Relating to powerhouse gamers from the previous, you possibly can’t actually look past Kruger, who can be properly remembered for his contribution within the 1995 World Cup staff, the place he was an integral a part of the aspect that swept South Africa to the William Webb Ellis trophy at Ellis Park.
He was one of many hardest and most constant rugby gamers within the historical past of South African rugby, and if it weren’t for accidents that disrupted the latter components of his profession, there isn’t a doubt the hard-as-nails unfastened ahead would have performed excess of 38 Checks.
Kruger tragically handed away on the age of 39, however he lives on within the reminiscence of all rugby followers who had the privilege of watching the so-called ‘silent murderer’ in motion.
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