One of the most lethal finishers in South African and world rugby, turns 50 today.
Stefan Terblanche earned 37 Test caps for South Africa between 1998 and 2003, scoring 19 tries — a strike rate that places him among the top Bok try-scorers of all time.
His Springbok debut was nothing short of spectacular. On 13 June 1998, the then 23-year-old wing burst onto the Test scene with four tries against Ireland in Bloemfontein.
Just a few months later, Terblanche etched his name into the history books again, scoring five tries against Italy in Durban — equalling the Springbok record for most tries in a Test match, previously held by the legendary Chester Williams.
Those early performances cemented his reputation as a deadly finisher, but Terblanche was far more than just a try-machine. Although most of his matches were played on the wing, his versatility allowed him to seamlessly slot in at fullback and centre, offering Springbok coaches a reliable utility back throughout his international career.
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He was part of the Springbok squads that won the Tri-Nations in 1998 and finished third at the 1999 Rugby World Cup.
His final Test appearance came in the 46-19 win over Georgia at the 2003 World Cup — ending an international career that may have flown under the radar but was built on consistency and class.
Photo: Wessel Oosthuizen/Gallo Images
