South Africa’s Springboks have long been a powerhouse in international rugby, but winning back-to-back World Cups in 2019 and 2023 has firmly cemented their place among the sport’s all-time greats. Producing world-class talent across generations, the team’s success is built not just on brute force, but on leadership, skill, and resilience.
We’ve taken a closer look at the legends who have shaped South African rugby history — and ranked the 17 greatest Springbok players of all time, counting down from 17 to 1.
17. Jean de Villiers
By Paul Barnard from Somerset Wes, South Africa – 2012-09-30 Springbokke vs Aus, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43811866
A world-class center with over 100 caps, Jean de Villiers was a consistent performer who combined strength, vision, and sharp defensive instincts. Though injuries plagued parts of his career, his leadership and backline creativity made him a Springbok great.
The definition of a hard man, Duane Vermeulen was the heartbeat of South Africa’s 2019 World Cup-winning side. A fierce presence at the breakdown and a rock in defense, his timing and physicality set him apart as one of the finest No. 8s of his era.
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South Africa’s first centurion and a deadly accurate goal-kicker, Montgomery was a pivotal figure in the 2007 World Cup triumph. Calm under pressure and dependable at fullback, his poise and boot were often match-winning assets for the Boks.
14. Francois Pienaar
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While his playing career wasn’t as statistically dominant as others, Pienaar’s legacy as captain of the 1995 World Cup team is legendary. A symbol of unity in post-apartheid South Africa, he embodied leadership during one of rugby’s most historic moments.
13. Eben Etzebeth
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One of the most intimidating second-rowers in modern rugby, Etzebeth has been a cornerstone of the Springbok pack for over a decade. Known for his raw power, aggressive tackling, and set-piece strength, he remains a feared and respected enforcer.
12. Chester Williams
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A lethal finisher and trailblazer, Chester Williams scored 14 tries in just 27 Test matches. His four-try performance in the 1995 World Cup quarter-final was iconic, and his role as one of the first players of color in the team held powerful cultural significance.
By Brent du Preez – 1995 Rugby Heroes, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=137456842
Standing tall at scrum-half, van der Westhuizen revolutionized the position with his strength and attacking instincts. With 38 Test tries and unmatched charisma, he remains one of the most beloved and inspirational figures in South African rugby history.
10. Pieter-Steph du Toit
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The 2019 World Player of the Year, du Toit is a relentless tackler and versatile forward. His heroic 28-tackle performance in the 2023 World Cup final solidified his place among the game’s modern giants.
9. John Smit
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A centurion and World Cup-winning captain, Smit’s versatility as hooker and prop made him invaluable. His leadership, accurate lineout throwing, and scrummaging strength helped define an era of Springbok dominance.
8. Os du Randt
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A two-time World Cup winner whose career spanned from 1994 to 2007, du Randt was a force in the scrum and a surprising asset in open play. After overcoming serious injury, he returned stronger than ever to help lift the Webb Ellis Cup again.
A tactician and technician, du Preez was the complete modern scrum-half. With pinpoint kicking, silky passing, and surprising pace, he was key to South Africa’s 2007 World Cup victory and set new standards for the No. 9 role.
6. Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira
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With 117 Test caps, Mtawarira was a fan favorite and scrummaging powerhouse. Known for his power and unexpected agility, the “Beast” was integral to South Africa’s 2019 World Cup triumph before retiring at the very top.
5. Victor Matfield
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The most-capped Springbok of all time, Matfield was a lineout genius and an engine room general. His partnership with Bakkies Botha dominated opposition forwards and was central to South Africa’s 2007 World Cup campaign.
4. Siya Kolisi
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A historic figure and two-time World Cup-winning captain, Kolisi broke barriers as South Africa’s first Black skipper. His leadership, breakdown skills, and humility on and off the field have made him an icon of global rugby.
Nicknamed “The Rolls-Royce of fullbacks,” Joubert was smooth, skillful, and deadly in space. Despite a broken hand, he played a crucial role in the 1995 final, showcasing his brilliance and toughness on the biggest stage.
2. Bryan Habana
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With 67 Test tries, Habana was one of the most electric wingers in world rugby history. His speed, instinct, and try-scoring prowess lit up the 2007 World Cup and earned him a place among the global greats of the game.
1. Schalk Burger
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A fearless flanker who threw his body into every contest, Burger was the heart and soul of the Springbok pack. A 2007 World Cup winner and cancer survivor, his resilience, passion, and commitment define what it means to wear the green and gold.
