Joost remembered: Nine magic moments
Today at 10:08 AM
On the eighth anniversary of Joost van der Westhuizen’s death, relive nine of the best moments from the legendary Springbok scrumhalf’s career.
Impression introduction
In November 1993, Joost made his Test debut for the Springboks against Argentina in Buenos Aires at the age of 22, scoring a crucial try that helped the visitors claim a 29-26 victory. He dotted down again in the Boks’ series-clinching 52-23 victory a week later.
Bringing down the ‘Big Fella’
Much was made of the All Blacks’ 1.96m, 120kg winger Jonah Lomu in the buildup to the 1995 World Cup. Lomu lived up to the hype over the course of the tournament by literally running over defenders on his way to the tryline. But when New Zealand faced South Africa in the final, the hosts managed to shut the big man down. The All Blacks unleashed Lomu after winning a scrum and while he was initially able to beat two defenders, the cover defence was simply too good. Lomu looked to go inside Van der Westhuizen, but the Bok No 9 drove his shoulder into the tackle and hung on for dear life. The Boks went on to win the game 15-12, as well as their first global title.
Hat-trick douses Dragons’ fire
In 1996, Joost scored the first of his two Test hat-tricks, against Wales in Cardiff. The first showcased the scrumhalf’s raw power, as he fought his way past two defenders after a 5m scrum. After taking an offload in midfield, he ran 30-odd metres, swerving inside and barging past the final would-be tackler to score his second. Later in the match, when ball had rolled free from a ruck near the Welsh tryline, Van der Westhuizen reacted quickest, scooping it up and dotting down for the third time.
Lashing the Lions
The Springboks went into the third and final Test against the British & Irish Lions in 1997 – a dead rubber – desperate for a consolation victory. They led 13-9 at the break, before taking charge early in the second half. Van der Westhuizen picked up the ball at the base of the ruck, shrugged off a tackle, bisected two more defenders and then veered to the right to avoid a desperate Neil Jenkins. The Boks went on to win 35-16.
Comeback king
The All Blacks went into half time of the 1998 Tri-Nations Test in Durban with a commanding 17-5 lead. With 15 minutes to go, and the score unchanged, Van der Westhuizen scored a try that sparked an incredible comeback as the Boks snatched a 24-23 victory at the death to edge closer to a maiden Tri-Nations title.
Leading the Bulls’ charge
After an outstanding year with the Boks that culminated in a Tri-Nations triumph, Van der Westhuizen captained the Blue Bulls to a 24-20 win against Western Province in the Currie Cup final at Loftus. It was his first domestic title success with the Bulls, who had last won the tournament in 1991.
Eight in 1998
In November 1998, Van der Westhuizen scored a try – his eighth of the season – as the Boks beat Ireland 27-13 in Dublin. The victory marked South Africa’s 17th successive Test win and saw them equal the all-time record.
Punishing the Poms
Most will remember the 1999 World Cup quarter-final between the Springboks and England at the Stade de France for the five drop-goal effort by Jannie de Beer. While the flyhalf certainly deserves credit for that victory, it should be noted that Bok captain Van der Westhuizen landed a crucial blow right before half time. England led 12-9 after 35 minutes when the Boks surged forward. Joost was on hand to receive an offload and employed all of his speed and power as he aimed towards the corner flag and forced the ball down. He led the Boks in 10 Tests.
Currie Cup champ again
In 2002, Van der Westhuizen won his second Currie Cup title, this time away from home, as the Blue Bulls smashed the Golden Lions 31-7 at Ellis Park. Afterwards, he was lifted onto his teammates’ shoulders.
The post Joost remembered: Nine magic moments appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
