South Africa’s prop Trevor Nyakane (R) holds the Web Ellis Cup with his family after South Africa won the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)
Springboks: Meet the Four Rugby World Cup Golden Oldies
The Springboks won the Rugby World Cup with one of the most experienced squads in their history. Let’s meet four of the Golden Oldies.
South Africa’s prop Trevor Nyakane (R) holds the Web Ellis Cup with his family after South Africa won the France 2023 Rugby World Cup Final match between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, on the outskirts of Paris, on October 28, 2023. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)
The Springboks might be waving goodbye to four of their Rugby World Cup heroes. Let’s remind ourselves why we love this quartet of players so much.
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The Golden Oldie Springboks
Trevor Nyakane (34)
An immense bomb squad front-row option, Trevor also proved that he has immaculate dance moves. His story came full circle when he appeared off the bench in this year’s final after heartbreakingly missing out on the majority of the 2019 showpiece in Yokohama after sustaining an injury in the opening pool game against New Zealand.
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Willie le Roux (34)
This is a criminally underrated creative player. Always there to provide the telling assist or the pre-assist, Willie has often been the target of criticism when he’s opted to go the aerial route with his tactical kicking. Now he has two World Cup winner’s medals. As one of just four players in the 2023 RWC squad born in the 80s, does he have another big one in him?
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Deon Fourie (37)
The epitome of a late bloomer, Capetonian Fourie was only handed his first cap in June last year, becoming the oldest debutant in Springbok history. The Stormers man made up for lost time, becoming an invaluable Bomb Squad option with his proactive, aggressive, forward-thinking playing style. He played a pivotal role in the final when Bongi Mbonambi went off injured early in the contest. A timely reminder that it’s never too late to shine.
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Duane Vermeulen (37)
Man of the Match in 2019, the imposing frame of 37-year-old Vermeulen was integral again for the Springboks as they claimed back-to-back William Webb Ellis crowns. His experience and understated presence will be sorely missed when he eventually calls time on a glittering career. The best South African number 8 in history?
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