In this ongoing content series, we shine a light on the No 4 position, and attempt to rank the three greatest locks of all time to fulfil this key role for the Springboks.

TOP THREE SPRINGBOK NO 4 LOCKS OF ALL TIME

1 Frik du Preez

The iron man of Springbok rugby, Du Preez was voted South Africa’s rugby player of the twentieth century in a fan poll, and was undoubtedly one of the most popular and influential players of all time.

“As long as rugby is played in our country, people who know Frik or knew him, or people who heard of him or read about him, will have a connection with him, and that will enrich our rugby just as Frik did on the playing fields,” Danie Craven once commented when describing the powerhouse lock.

Over an unforgettable career, he featured in 38 Tests for the Springboks, as well as in nearly 50 games that weren’t recognised internationally due to sporting restrictions on South Africa, and during that time he cemented his legacy as a truly one-of-a-kind superstar.

2 Eben Etzebeth

Already the most-capped Springbok of all time, Etzebeth has 131 Test caps to his name and could certainly surpass the 150-match milestone by the time he hangs up his boots.

The double World Cup winner and British & Irish Lions series champion is an incredible athlete who is one of the most feared and revered players to have ever donned the No 4 jersey.

When Etzebeth does eventually retire, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest Springbok players of all time, while it will be an impossible task to replace a player of this magnitude.

3 Bakkies Botha

Another formidable physical specimen, Botha was one of the most colourful characters to ever play for the Springboks.

His impact was immense every time he took to the field, and although he sometimes overstepped the disciplinary line, the towering lock was the sort of player any teammate would want to have on their side.

The big man will forever hold down a special place in the Springbok history books.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS RANKING?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/ranked-three-greatest-springbok-no-4-locks/