The former Sharks, Stormers and Toulon lock, Ross Skeate picks a team of the best he played with or against.

15 Gio Aplon
The ultimate gamebreaker and often punched way above his weight in defence. Was such a relief knowing Gio was your fullback. (Honourable mention – Rory Lamont – completely fearless and a sight to behold in full flight.)

14 JP Pietersen
A great man and player. He was just as solid on defence, under a high ball or scoring tries.

13 Tana Umaga
The legend himself. Could steal the ball on the ground and step defenders all day long. Another great human off the pitch.

12 Sonny Bill Williams
I started at Toulon at the same time as Sonny, and watching how he evolved from start to finish was astounding. Extremely gifted.

11 Cedric Heymans
My XV wouldn’t be complete without some French flair, and no one embodied that more than Heymans.

10 Jonny Wilkinson
An amazing flyhalf. He was a great kicker, had immense big match temperament and he was a great defender to add to the overflowing skill set.

9 Fourie du Preez
I played a lot of age-group level rugby with Fourie and even then he oozed rugby smarts and class. I’ll always remember loving and hating his box kick!

8 Schalk Burger
The most natural born rugby player I’ve come across. Was born for the game and the game was better off for it.

7 Jerry Collins
He would eat Chuck Norris for breakfast.

MORE: Jacques Burger’s Perfect XV

6 George Smith
There wasn’t anything Georgie couldn’t do on the field. Great to have in your side and a nightmare to play against. (Honourable mention – Luke Watson, an amazing rugby player and phenomenal leader.)

5 Andries Bekker
So much talent and athletic ability. Could run like the wind and steal lineouts at will.

4 Paul Willemse
Another big man, all power and athletic ability.  Had great work rate for a big rig and I can’t ever remember seeing him lose a contact situation.

3 Census Johnston
The man mountain, all raw power and athleticism. He was a great scrummaging tighthead and a strong ball-carrier.

2 Bismarck du Plessis
An easy choice, powerful and aggressive. Wouldn’t only carry and dominate collisions but would also dominate in the scrum and throw beautifully at lineouts.

1 Tendai Mtawarira
He was an excellent Springbok and an extremely versatile and mobile loosehead. Just as humble and hardworking off the pitch as on it.

MORE: Stefan Terblanche’s Perfect XV

Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images