Choice of top 5 Springboks and the reasons

MY TOP five Springbok choices in order of merit: 1. Franco Mostert. A phenomenal player whose work-rate was unbelievable in every game. An unsung hero who always gave more than his best. Battered and bruised, he was here, there and everywhere. If I was a selector he would be my first choice for the team.

2. Willie le Roux. A fully rejuvenated fullback. Always planning, scheming and plotting a variety of moves to bamboozle the opposition. His interchanging with his flyhalf was a great success. An inspiring old hand who continually spoke to, cajoled and urged his team to do better. A superstar.

3. Faf de Klerk. After one mediocre game, Faf bounced back to deliver superb flyhalf displays. His fast and accurate service gave his flyhalf, and other players, the room to move and excel. His tackling was in many cases ferocious and his placekicking tops. I rate him on par with Antoine du Pont of France.

4. Eben Etzebeth. What more can be said about this all-action, no-nonsense in your face player? An absolute asset to any team. He just never let up.

5. Kurt-Lee Arendse. For a player who is slight of build, he was not overawed by the opposition. He seems to be a miniature clone of Cheslin Kolbe. Fleet of foot, with an amazing side-step, he flummoxed the opposition, and almost scored at will. His place in the team is non-negotiable. A first-class wing.

I would also like to add that Deon Fourie is the most underrated player on the Springbok side. They’re going to need him in next year’s World Cup.