Ranked: Three greatest Springbok scrumhalves of all time
Yesterday at 06:27 AM
There have been some iconic players who have donned the Springbok No 9 jersey and who remain household names in the rugby world as a result of their incredible performances in the key role at scrumhalf.
Here is our ranking for the top three Springbok scrumhalves of all time, having considered players from every era.
TOP THREE SPRINGBOK SCRUMHALVES OF ALL TIME
1 Fourie du Preez
Fourie du Preez's impact on South African and Springbok rugby should never be taken for granted, with his pinpoint kicking, precision passing, and tactical nous setting him apart as one the most naturally gifted players to ever grace the game.
Over a 76-Test cap career (starting in 60 of these games), he became widely regarded as the best scrumhalf in the world and was undoubtedly the envy of ever rugby-playing nation due to his ability to so significantly influence a game single-handedly.
There was no better example than during the triumphant 2007 World Cup when he was at the peak of his powers, which included one of the all-time great performance in the 36-0 pool stage drubbing of England.
His records and achievements simply speak volumes:
- SA Young Player of the Year nominee, 2003 & 2004
- Tri-Nations winner, 2004 & 2009
- SA Player of the Year, 2006
- IRB Player of the Year nominee, 2006 & 2009
- Member of the World Cup winning Springbok squad, 2007
- SA Player of the Year nominee, 2007
- British & Irish Lions series winner, 2009
- SA Player of the Year, 2009
2 Joost van der Westhuizen
The late great Joost van der Westhuizen could quite easily be placed at No 1 when reflecting on a stunning Springbok career that encompassed 89 Tests and redefined numerous perceptions of the role played by scrumhalves.
Well known for his physicality, competitive nature and uncharacteristically large build for a scrumhalf, he was a menace on both defence and attack, with his incredible tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup final remaining one of the most iconic moments in Springbok history.
Inducted in the International Rugby Hall of Fame in 2007, he represented South Africa in three Rugby World Cups in 1995, 1999 and 2003.
When he eventually retired, Van der Westhuizen boasted a career Test try tally of 38, which still places him second on the all-time list for Springbok try-scorers. It’s also a record that will most likely never be surpassed by any other scrumhalf.
The term ‘rugby legend’ is often overused, but it could not be more apt for a player such as Joost van der Westhuizen.
3 Danie Craven
There are a few players who would not be out of place in this top-three ranking, but it is difficult to look past ‘Mr Rugby’ himself, Danie Craven.
Craven played only 16 ‘official’ Tests for the Springboks in the 1930s, and what is quite fascinating from that time is that he also played centre, flyhalf and even eighthman on one occasion.
Yet, it’s at scrumhalf where he took the game by storm, and undoubtedly had an ever-lasting impact by virtually inventing the dive pass that is still prevalent today.
The start of the Second World War in 1939 ended his career prematurely, but his impact on the game – even after he retired – has seen him remain one of the most widely-respected and well-known icons of South African rugby.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS RANKING?
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.
