Ashfak Mohamed
WELLINGTON: Jean de Villiers is one of those truly extraordinary rugby men.
Being ruled out for nine months after an injury on debut 12 years ago against France in Marseille, more bad luck was around the corner as he missed the 2003 Rugby World Cup with a shoulder injury sustained in a warm-up match.
Then the injury curse struck in 2007, when he tore a bicep in the opening World Cup game against Samoa. Lesser characters would’ve packed it in just there and then, but then again, we all know that De Villiers is not an ordinary man.
Engaging, witty, well-grounded and a classy rugby player, with silky touches that only the best centres possess, the 33-year-old De Villiers has made it all the way to the eve of his 100th Test match tomorrow against the ultimate foes, the All Blacks.
The two-times SA Rugby Player of the Year will join the exclusive four-strong Bok century club, which includes Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield and now Bryan Habana.
We asked 10 members of the Springbok squad what they thought makes De Villiers the special person and player that he is.
Left wing Bryan Habana, 100 caps
It’s no easy feat to have the opportunity to play 100 Tests for your country and Jean’s journey, despite starting way back in 2002, has been riddled with many injury setbacks which would have disheartened most players to the point where they would have given up. But his perseverance in fighting back, working harder than ever before and never giving up are just characteristics of what he stands for.
Jean is without a doubt one of the most gifted players of our generation and one whose skills are just mesmerising to witness on the field.
Scrumhalf Ruan Pienaar, 79 caps
This is truly a wonderful achievement by one of the best ambassadors for South Africa and Springbok rugby. Congratulations Jean, we’re all very proud of you. It’s great to call you our captain and our teammate.
Tighthead prop Jannie du Plessis, 57 caps
To play in 100 Tests is truly remarkable, and in my eyes Jean is a Super Springbok. It’s massive honour to play with you Jean, but it’s even a bigger honour to get to know you as a friend. Congratulations on Saturday, you thoroughly deserve it.
Openside flank Francois Louw, 33 caps
Jean is an amazing player. Guys follow him all the way, and what he gives back is what makes him such a special guy. It’s not just what he brings on the field, but getting the guys around him to perform to the best of their abilities.
Off the field, he is also a great friend of mine – we get on very well. I really hope that we can make it a special one and get a victory over here in New Zealand, and really make it one to remember.
A lot of people hear that he tries to be funny – he thinks he’s funny! He can be, but sometimes I think he’s a little bit funnier than he really is. But he is the joker in the team, and I think that is what brings the balance to his character, that he can switch on when it’s serious, but switch off as well.
No 8 Duane Vermeulen, 22 caps
I just think the way he leads makes him special. He leads by example and has played for many years now at the Stormers, and he plays unbelievably good rugby. I think just his presence on the field, and how he has served South Africa on the field has been great to see.
He is a good person and a good pal, and someone you would always back and support. And he likes packets of sweets late at night!
Hooker Schalk Brits, 7 caps
The person that he is. He knows what a good rugby player he is – well, if I forget, then he reminds me of how good he is! But overall, I must say that I am proud about the father, the man, the man that he is for his wife. That’s what makes him special.
The two of us know each other for a long time, from when we were little kids. We’ve been through a lot of tough times and good times, and Jean is just a special person. I am proud of the way he leads our team – in his own way, and not anyone else’s way.
It is his character that makes him special – yes, he is a good rugby player, but it is the other parts of his make-up as a person that is amazing.
Years ago we were at the Under-19 World Cup, Jean and I were playing one-bounce with a soccer ball. So we were both in the team to play at the weekend, and then as we were playing one-bounce, the two of us go for the ball at the same time, and boom – both of us ended up with massive cuts on our foreheads! Then (coach) Peter de Villiers just dropped us both to the bench!
Head coach Heyneke Meyer
When the big names in South African rugby are mentioned, Jean will forever be among them. He’s showed a lot of character and resilience to get here, and to me, those are things that set him apart.
Jean is not only an extremely good rugby player, but he’s also one of the greatest captains I’ve ever worked with.
Jean is also a true ambassador for South Africa. To see how he is respected all over the world, is truly humbling and our fellow countrymen can be proud of him.
Despite all of the success and responsibility, he’s never lost that sparkle in his eye and he treats everyone around him with respect.
Backline coach Ricardo Loubscher
Firstly his leadership. The experience and value that he brings to the team. And secondly, he is an ambassador on and off the field. As the captain, the example that he sets us is an inspiration for us all. So we all look up to him and the experience will be very necessary for us this weekend.
Jean has shown over the years that he is a playmaker. But he also understands his role in the team very well. His decision-making is good and he knows exactly when to take the ball up and when to distribute it. So it’s a great privilege to be able to work with him, and we look forward to many Tests together.
Right wing Cornal Hendricks, 6 caps
He is a very good leader, and he shows it every day – even at practices, on and off the field. He is just the type of person you want to follow as a captain. And he is a people’s person as well. That makes him very special.
And outside of the talent that he got, he is a world-class centre, but just how he carries himself on and off the field. Automatically the guys want to follow such a man, and I respect him a lot in every way.
For him to play 100 Tests is a major achievement, and to play just one is already a huge thing, and he’s playing 100.
Jean is very funny! All the players like his sense of humour, and he lights up situations with his jokes and the way he carries himself. He doesn’t try to be funny, he is naturally funny.
Vice-captain and lock Victor Matfield, 114 caps
Congratulations on a fantastic achievement. You’ve overcome massive setbacks and missed World Cups because of injury, so to me, this 100 is just reward for everything you’ve meant for rugby in South Africa.
You’re an unbelievable player and teammate – I realise that every time I see how people want to be with you and spend time with you. We’ve shared a number of great times, and you’re a special person.