psychic duck
International
Who would people consider South Africa's best number 8 since Gary Teichmann ended his international career in 1999, there have been a few decent ones, but in several ways none really achieved their potential and became a World XV player.
Here are the list of Number 8's since Teichmann. Who is the best based on Springbok performances in the 8 jersey.
Bobby Skinstad (42 caps, first choice 1999, 2001-02)
Controversially included as South Africa's first choice number 8 ahead of Teichmann for the 1999 World Cup, he disappeared for a year after that tournament, and reappeared as first choice between 2001 and 2002 when he was considered a key player for South Africa. However was dropped for Rudolf Straeuli's barmy period in charge between November 2002 and the 2003 World Cup. He left South Africa after that tournament and returned in 2007 after a low key period in the UK, however he was no longer a key player, being merely a substitute for most of the Super 14 season with the Sharks, and at the World Cup with South Africa.
André Vos (33 caps, first choice 2000-01)
Captained the side in 2000, but didn't last long in the side, as a year later he retired from international rugby aged 27 saying he was "no longer physically up to international rugby" and spent the rest of his career with Harlequins in England.
Joe van Niekerk (52 caps, first choice 2002, 2004, 2006)
One of the few South Africans to be quite good during the 2003 period and was player of the year for them in 2002, but was constantly in and out of the Springbok side, has been with Toulon since 2008 and perhaps not reached his potential.
Juan Smith (69 caps, first choice 2003)
Obviously a great player, but played the majority of his career at flanker, he was the Springboks first choice for the disastrous 2003 season, the only time he has played number 8 for the Boks.
Jacques Cronjé (32 caps, first choice 2004-06)
Kept van Niekerk on the bench for a while, but never a player you ever heard many people talk about as one of the best.
Danie Rossouw (63 caps, first choice 2007)
Only made 10 starts at number 8 from his 63 caps, but was the preferred choice during the 2007 World Cup, a decent player, but probably one you would like on the bench rather than starting.
Pierre Spies (47 caps, first choice 2008-present)
Has had a few outstanding performances such as Bulls vs Crusaders in the 2009 Super 14 semi final, but has also had many critics for not going missing during matches.
Here are the list of Number 8's since Teichmann. Who is the best based on Springbok performances in the 8 jersey.
Bobby Skinstad (42 caps, first choice 1999, 2001-02)
Controversially included as South Africa's first choice number 8 ahead of Teichmann for the 1999 World Cup, he disappeared for a year after that tournament, and reappeared as first choice between 2001 and 2002 when he was considered a key player for South Africa. However was dropped for Rudolf Straeuli's barmy period in charge between November 2002 and the 2003 World Cup. He left South Africa after that tournament and returned in 2007 after a low key period in the UK, however he was no longer a key player, being merely a substitute for most of the Super 14 season with the Sharks, and at the World Cup with South Africa.
André Vos (33 caps, first choice 2000-01)
Captained the side in 2000, but didn't last long in the side, as a year later he retired from international rugby aged 27 saying he was "no longer physically up to international rugby" and spent the rest of his career with Harlequins in England.
Joe van Niekerk (52 caps, first choice 2002, 2004, 2006)
One of the few South Africans to be quite good during the 2003 period and was player of the year for them in 2002, but was constantly in and out of the Springbok side, has been with Toulon since 2008 and perhaps not reached his potential.
Juan Smith (69 caps, first choice 2003)
Obviously a great player, but played the majority of his career at flanker, he was the Springboks first choice for the disastrous 2003 season, the only time he has played number 8 for the Boks.
Jacques Cronjé (32 caps, first choice 2004-06)
Kept van Niekerk on the bench for a while, but never a player you ever heard many people talk about as one of the best.
Danie Rossouw (63 caps, first choice 2007)
Only made 10 starts at number 8 from his 63 caps, but was the preferred choice during the 2007 World Cup, a decent player, but probably one you would like on the bench rather than starting.
Pierre Spies (47 caps, first choice 2008-present)
Has had a few outstanding performances such as Bulls vs Crusaders in the 2009 Super 14 semi final, but has also had many critics for not going missing during matches.
