By Jacques van der Westhuyzen
London
Only one man was really considered to wear the No6 jersey during the four years Jake White was in charge of the Springboks. That man is Schalk Burger.
While a phenomenal rugby player, with a reputation as one of the most destructive loose forwards in the game, his ability to fetch the ball at the rucks, bash his opponents out the way, clean out the opponents, link with the backs and carry the ball have made him one of the finest players of the modern era.
His intensity and enthusiasm is unrivalled and while always a presence at the breakdowns, he has never been the classic openside flank, the true fetcher.
White, at times criticised for never looking the way of a specialist ball-stealer, got away with it by insisting all 15 men in his team had to have the ability to steal the ball at the breakdowns.
The Boks won more than they lost under White and Burger was without doubt one of the star performers of the team between 2004 and 2007. But now, at the age of 26, he has been forced to change position in the Bok team and swap his No6 jersey for one with a seven on it.
The No6 jersey now belongs to Heinrich Brussow.
The young Cheetahs star has changed the mindset of the coaches with his quite phenomenal skills on the ground and basically forced national coach Peter de Villiers to select him.
His abilities are of so much value to the Boks that the great Burger has no option but to change position and adapt his game - as a blindside flank or as an eighthman, the position he will play in during next year's Super 14 at the Stormers.
While Brussow's talents have been known for some time, it wasn't until this year that the baby-faced assassin really hit the big time.
When every opposition coach the Boks come up against speak of Brussow as the man they need to get to if they're to have a say in the game, then you know just how much of an impact the 23-year-old has made.
The British and Irish Lions coaching staff and players couldn't stand the sight of Brussow, so difficult did he make life for them in June, July and August, while All Blacks captain Richie McCaw and Co also praised Brussow for his role in the Boks' victories in the Tri-Nations.
And just last week, France coach Marc Lievremont joined the chorus, singling Brussow out as the man his side would have to watch carefully in their Test in Toulouse.
While he was unable to prevent the Boks from suffering a narrow defeat, Brussow was the star performer, making seven steals in the match.
Since making his Test debut against England at the end of last year, Brussow has gone from strength to strength, and after initially being ignored by De Villiers for the Lions series, a stunning performance for the Cheetahs against the Lions opened the door back into the Test team for him.
An injury to Burger also helped him into the side for the first Test in Durban. He scored a try and made his presence felt throughout the series, but it was not until the end of July this year, against the All Blacks, that Brussow really announced himself as a special prospect.
He overshadowed the highly-rated McCaw in Bloemfontein - and has not looked back. He won the SA Young Rugby Player of the Year award a few weeks back and was also in line for the main prize, that of Rugby Player of the Year.
Brussow's impact on world rugby has been immense. Standing just 1,81m tall and weighing 100kg, Brussow is not your typical South African forward, but with his shorter build and muscular frame, he's changed the whole dynamic of the Bok back row and made them a far more potent unit than before.
"He's been phenomenal in 2009," said Bok skipper John Smit. "He's made a big difference for us, and made life really difficult for the opposition. He's built for this role."
Indeed, and may his thievery at the breakdowns long continue for the Boks.
BRUSSOW AT A GLANCE
Full name: Heinrich Wilhelm
Date of birth: July 21, 1986
Place of birth: Bloemfontein
Height: 1,81m
Weight: 100kg
HONOURS
Strength:
Possibly the key ingredient to being a successful openside flank. He's a muscular man, but his fairly short stature makes him perfect for securing ball at the breakdown. He has the rare ability to stay on his feet, even when getting smashed by opposition players at the rucks.
TACKLING:
He may be one of the smaller members of the Bok team, but there's nothing wrong with his ability to bring down men twice his size. He brings his men down and then quickly gets on to his feet to play the ball. As the tackler, he gets first bite at the ball, so this facet of the game is crucial - and he does it oh so well.
SPEED:
As a tireless pursuer of the ball, Brussow's essential role, on attack and defence, is to be always where the ball is. He has a fair turn of speed and is quick off the mark from scrums, lineouts and mauls. Keep an eye on him next time, and you'll see Brëssow is almost always the first Bok at a breakdown.
FITNESS:
As an openside, Brussow is expected to be everywhere. He is the guy who is just behind the ball-carrier, ready to continue the move; he is the guy chasing the ball back and forth, and he is the guy expected to make the tackle when the others haven't. His fitness levels are top-notch.
HANDLING:
Playing the "fetching" game requires one to remain on one's feet and stick your hands into the ruck to win the ball. Being strong in the arms is crucial, while a good pair of hands is needed to do the job well. Brussow is an excellent handler and hardly ever fails to control the ball once the steal has been made.