Ranked: Three greatest Springbok outside centres of all time
03/26/2025 11:39 AM
The core of many successful Springbok sides have been deeply rooted in the success of the backline midfielders, and in particular, there have been some extraordinary players who have taken on the crucial role at outside centre.
In this continued content series, we have considered players from all generations, and attempted to rank the three greatest Springboks to have ever worn the No 13 jersey.
TOP THREE SPRINGBOK OUTSIDE CENTRES OF ALL TIME
1) Danie Gerber
An easy choice, really. Gerber is regarded as one of the greatest Springbok players of all time – let alone midfielders – and was duly inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007.
Although his career was sadly disrupted by South Africa’s sporting isolation during the apartheid days, there was simply no question about his immense class and quality.
Renowned for his pace, strength, powerful sidestep and incredible ability to read the game, he was one of those players who had virtually no weaknesses.
Regardless of any generation, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest centres ever seen in world rugby. Although Gerber did play regularly at inside centre, his last nine Tests were all at outside centre, where he cemented his status as a true icon of the game.
2) Jaque Fourie
Of all modern-day centres, Fourie stands tall as one of the greatest players ever produced by South Africa.
Fourie's international debut came at the tender age of 20, during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, and he marked the occasion with a try against Uruguay.
Fourie quickly became a key member of the Springbok side, but he flourished in the 2007 World Cup. A key member of the Springbok squad, he played in six of the seven matches, including the entirety of the final against England.
The victory secured South Africa's second Webb Ellis trophy, and Fourie's contribution was undeniable. His powerful running and dynamic defence were on display throughout the tournament, as it was so often during his prolific career.
Fourie also featured in the 2009 series win over the British & Irish Lions, which included one of the greatest tries of all time.
He featured prominently at national level until 2013, eventually wrapping up an illustrious international career with 72 caps to his name.
3) Mannetjies Roux
A special mention of course must go to 1995 World Cup star Japie Mulder, but for anyone who was blessed to follow Springboks in the 1960s, they will tell you that there should a special place in SA rugby history for Mannetjies Roux.
Roux was undoubtedly ahead of his time, with his dynamism and X factor seeing him described by many coaches as a pure rugby ‘genius’.
In the words of the late great Danie Craven, “with Mannetjies Roux on your side you could take on the world”, and it’s no surprise that in his last 13 Tests with the Springboks – the national side lost just a solitary game (which was by just a single point against New Zealand).
Roux played on the wing and at inside centre, but the latter parts of his career were all in the No 13 jersey as he cemented his status as one of the true greats of the game.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THESE RANKINGS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
