Frans Malherbe in action for the Boks. Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

Player ratings | Best Springboks of 2023: Frans Malherbe

Frans Malherbe might not make many headlines, but he was a colossal figure for the Springboks once again in 2023.

by Craig Lewis

13-12-2023 09:42

in Springboks

Frans Malherbe in action for the Boks. Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

As the year draws to a close, we hand out some key player ratings to the top Springbok standouts. Next up: Frans Malherbe.

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FRANS MALHERBE: THE SPRINGBOKS’ ROCK

As mentioned in the intro, Frans Malherbe is a player might not make many media headlines, but there should be no doubting his immense contribution to the Springboks’ cause.

The powerful prop consistently defies misguided judgements around body shape and conditioning, with the big man possessing a work engine that is even greater than the sum of its parts.

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Malherbe was the Springboks’ rock at tighthead prop throughout 2023, starting in 10 Tests and consistently laying the foundation for set piece success up front, without any fuss or fanfare.

The role of a rock solid tighthead is unfashionable and unglamorous, but if there was any player who the Springboks would want to go to war with, Malherbe is that man.

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The 32-year-old now has 69 Test caps to his name, and although he is often the Springboks’ unsung hero, he received due recognition with a nomination for SA Rugby Player of the Year in 2023.

Malherbe is the type of person that would shy away from effusive praise and plaudits, but every Bok fan should take a moment to applaud his impact in the team’s World Cup success once again.

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