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.
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 there and then, but then again, we all know that De Villiers is not an ordinary man.
Engaging, witty and a classy rugby player, with silky touches that only the best centres possess, the 33-year-old 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 Bok century club, which includes Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield and Bryan Habana.
l 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 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. He has gone on to become a well-rounded, well-spoken, respected and courageous leader who is a fine ambassador not only for the game, but for South Africa.
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.
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 a massive honour to play with you Jean, but it’s even a bigger honour to get to know you as a friend. Congratulations, you thoroughly deserve it.
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. 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.
No8 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 have known 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.
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.
Backs 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 is an inspiration for us all.
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.
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. Automatically the guys want to follow such a man, and I respect him a lot in every way. It’s a privilege for me to play in this game, and we as a team have decided to make it special for him and he deserves every opportunity he gets on the field.
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. - The Star