2 days Ago By Craig Lewis
There have been a few generational talents who have slotted in at flyhalf for the Springboks over the years, and it is an incredibly challenging job trying to rank the best of the best. Nevertheless, here is our ranking for the top three No 10s, having considered Springboks from every playing era. TOP THREE SPRINGBOK FLYHALVES OF ALL TIME 1 ) Naas Botha There is quite literally only one Naas Botha.
The superstar flyhalf was an icon of the game throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, but even young generations of Springbok supporters will undoubtedly know his name. Botha remains a household name because his legacy transcended the game, with his deadly accurate kicking game standing in a class of its own. He was was more than just a points-scoring machine, though.
His tactical understanding of the game and playmaking abilities also remain the stuff of rugby folklore. South Africa’s sporting isolation denied him the opportunity to further cement a Test legacy that only included 28 games, but there is no denying that Botha is one of the greatest ever Springboks, let alone flyhalves. 2) Handre Pollard From one generation to another.
Perhaps it’s too soon to include Pollard at No 2 at the age of 31, but he has already played 80 Tests, and started more games at No 10 than any other Springbok flyhalf. His general play and goal-kicking was critical to the team’s success at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, as well as against the British & Irish Lions in 2021. Throw in a couple of Rugby Championship titles and a points tally of 772 (second only to Percy Montgomery on the all-time list), and it’s clear to see that Pollard is already an all-time great.
Pollard burst onto the Springbok scene as a 20-year-old youth prodigy, and when he eventually hangs up his boots, it’s frightening to consider what his numbers and achievements could look like then. 3 Henry Honiball Of course there might be calls for amateur-era superstar Hansie Brewis or 1995 World Cup hero Joel Stransky, but Honiball was just a one-of-a-kind talent. With his towering physical presence, Honiball earned the nickname ‘Lem’, which is Afrikaans for ‘blade’, as a result of his ability to cut through opponent’s defences.
At national level, his on-field prowess earned him 35 caps for the Springboks between 1993 and 1999, but there is no doubt that he boasted the talent to have played many more games at international level. Widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players of his generation, the career of Honiball was perhaps best summed up by the late great coach Ian McIntosh. “He was always the perfect sportsman, both in victory and defeat.
In terms of playing ability, there’s not much more to be said, other than that as a flyhalf he was underrated by all in the past. Henry was ideally suited to the modern game.” WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS RANKING? Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 .
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