Johannesburg - Former Springbok and Bulls hero Naas Botha saluted Joost van der Westhuizen after the legendary Bulls and Bok scrumhalf died on Monday.
“It is a really sad day for the family. It is them first, then South Africa and then rugby,” Botha said.
“He was just a phenomenal player from his days at Tuks and when he played for the Bulls.
“We had about five games at most as a halfback pair, and I was at the end of my career while he was starting his.
“But I think there is enough evidence and enough being said about him over the years of him playing, that he is one of the better number nines in world rugby ever and he will be one of South Africa’s best ever.
“He is one of those players that you will find once in a lifetime.
“Normally left footed scrumhalves struggle a little bit, because the game is designed more for right-footed players.
“He was such a successful player and we mustn’t forget that he helped win us our first World Cup.
“His contribution in that final was immense, even though it was a whole team effort, but his tackle on Jonah Lomu will probably go down as the greatest in SA rugby history.
“He was just a phenomenal player and I’m glad everybody acknowledges it.”
Breyton Paulse also praised his former Springbok captain, tweeting: “Was a pleasure sharing a dressing-room with you, a warrior in every sense of the word, legend of the game, God bless your fam, rus sag ou grote (rest in peace, legend).”
The final word goes to former Springbok and Bulls lock Bakkies Botha, who tweeted: “R. I. P. JOOST NOW YOU ARE PAIN FREE. PEACE LEGEND.”