With eight days remaining before the 2023 Rugby World Cup begins in France, SARugbymag.co.za hails the standout No 8s to represent the Springboks at the tournament.
Mark Andrews
Formidably built, with great ball skills and impressive mobility, Andrews featured at two World Cups and was a key figure in many of South Africa’s finest triumphs between 1994 and the end of 2001, with his achievements including lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 1995 and a Tri-Nations winner’s medal in 1998.
Andrews was one of the finest lineout exponents of his generation, and Bok coach Kitch Christie gambled by naming the 77-Test lock at No 8 for the 1995 semi-final against France. Andrews did such a stellar job that he was retained at the back of the scrum for the epic final against the All Blacks.
It would be the last time the Bok enforcer played in the back row for the Boks, but he was no less influential than those who donned the green-and-gold jersey before or after him.
Danie Rossouw
Rossouw is best remembered for his famous try-saving tackle in the 2007 World Cup final – his athleticism, power and versatility made him a tireless performer for the Boks.
His steadfast role at No 8 at the tournament in France came after Pierre Spies was ruled out, and epitomised his ability to play across the loose trio and in the second row – he started 14 of his 63 Tests at lock.
Rossouw’s swansong on the Test stage came at the 2011 World Cup, the third tournament he took part in, with the then-33-year-old starting five games in the second row.
Duane Vermeulen
A hardened veteran with 70 Test appearances, Vermeulen has built a career on his abrasive attitude and dogged physicality. He is a commanding presence on the field and is tipped to play a key role in the world champions’ title defence at France 2023.
The 37-year-old was a standout player when the Boks won the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019, his defensive grit and powerful carries saw him named the Man of the Match against England in the final.
A seasoned campaigner, Vermeulen also serves as a wise counsel for Bok captain Siya Kolisi, and hopes to cap off an 18-year professional career with trophy glory at his third World Cup.
Photo: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP