One of the more crucial positions in rugby, a fullback is literally the last line of defence for a side, and has to have exceptional positioning, great aerial skills and a killer boot.
In modern rugby - and often in the current Springbok side - the fullback can double up as a second playmaker, and along with his wingers has the ability to launch counter attacks and withstand an aerial bombardment.
More flippantly the forwards often refer to them as professional spectators, waiting at the back for something to happen - although that often refers more to the wingers. But probably closer to the point is that they are the “human error correction system” - the guy who has to step in when the defence has failed or the ball has gotten beyond the forwards. Bravery is a given and the fullback is an important an unique part of any Rugby team.
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With that in mind, here are our candidates for the fullback position for the Dream XV:
Gio Aplon (Springboks 2010-2012)
The original scrumcapped backline player and someone certain coaches felt was too small for modern rugby’s demands. Appels, as he was affectionately known, was certainly a player that confounded the stereotypes and his devastating sidestep made him an exceptional attacking player. He only played 17 tests, mostly at wing, but had the notable accolade of scoring twice against France in 2010. Also one of the finest Blitzboks Sevens players.
Andre Joubert (Springboks 1989-1997)
Fondly known as the “Rolls Royce of fullbacks” during his time because of his pace, class and seemingly effortless style in attacking. Solid at the back and a perfect foil into the backline, Joubert was one of the classiest players ever to don a Springbok jersey.
He made his debut in 1989 as a replacement against a World XV but on South Africa’s readmission to rugby became a permanent fixture in the Bok side and played a pivotal role in the 1995 World Cup win. Joubert had to play in the final with a broken hand, spending time in a decompression chamber to pass a fitness test beforehand and put in an exceptional performance in the final.
He was capped 34 times at fullback and amassed 115 test points from 10 tries, 17 penalties and 7 conversions.
Zane Kirchner (Springboks 2009-2015)
One of the most underrated players in the Springbok era, who saw both the good and bad sides of Springbok fans who never understood his value to the Bok team. Solid at the back, and devastating coming into a backline, Kirchner played 31 times for the Springboks, scoring five tries.
His most notable game was a man of the match performance against Australia in Brisbane in 2013.
Willie le Roux (Springboks 2013- current)
The player South African fans have mixed emotions about, but ask any coach who has had him in his team and they will sing his praises and talk about his value. Le Roux fought his way out of Boland to make it to the top despite not being picked up by scouts at school and is the perfect example of grit in the modern game.
He invented the second playmaker role at the Boks and had a big role in the 2019 World Cup win, playing with a damaged shoulder in the final. He is often referred to as an “extra coach” on the field for his ability to get the best out of his teammates and while in his early days he scored tries on the wing, as he matured he became the player who sparked attacks and put teammates into space.
It takes a lot to get to 101 caps, and while he did not always get the credit, he will always be a Springbok legend.
Percy Montgomery (Springboks 1997-2008)
Considering where the talented blond-haired Montgomery started his career - in the midfield with mixed success - his shift in the late 90s to fullback unlocked one of the best Bok careers ever, leaving him with a World Cup winners medal in 2007 and for a long time the Bok points scorers record.
Montgomery’s attacks from the back were inspirational, while his boot kept the scoreboard ticking and was often his best asset. He scored a massive 893 points for the Boks during his career and played 102 times for the Boks as well.
On 13 May 2003 while playing for Newport, Montgomery was sent off for pushing a touch judge to the ground, and was later heavily fined and given a two-year ban, with 18 months suspended, for the offence of "assaulting a match official". He consequently missed the 2003 Rugby World Cup and would have had more caps if he wasn’t suspended.
Damian Willemse (Springboks 2018-present)
A double World Cup winner already and most Springbok fans will say that we haven’t seen the best of Gazza just yet. He has amassed over 50 caps already for the Springboks and has that x-factor that most coaches look for in a player, being able to transition from defence to attack exceptionally well and has a mean sidestep to boot.
Willemse can play 10 and 12 as well and his versatility and competitive nature has made him a popular player in the current Bok setup.
Originally omitted from the 2019 World Cup squad, he was called up during the tournament as an injury replacement and when he played at fullback in the 2023 final became the youngest double World Cup winner.
His calmness under pressure is significant, and he showed that when he kicked a match-winning penalty after the hooter to beat Wales in 2022 at Loftus Versfeld, while against Italy on the current tour his man of the match performance helped guide a 14-man Springbok side to victory.