When it comes to legendary Springbok teams, one thing remains constant—the brilliance of their outside centres.
South African rugby has been blessed with some of the finest No. 13s in the history of the game, players who have combined skill, power, and tactical awareness to dominate on the field.
As part of our ongoing series ranking the greatest Springbok players across different positions, we’ve taken a deep dive into the archives and compiled our top three outside centres to have ever donned the green and gold jersey. Let’s get into it!
1) Danie Gerber – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Talent
This one was a no-brainer. Danie Gerber isn’t just one of the greatest outside centres in South African history—he’s one of the greatest rugby players of all time, period.
His place in the International Rugby Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2007, is a testament to his extraordinary career.
Unfortunately, Gerber’s international journey was hindered by South Africa’s sporting isolation during the apartheid era, robbing him of the chance to showcase his abilities on the global stage more frequently. But make no mistake—he was a phenomenon.
Blessed with exceptional pace, raw power, a devastating sidestep, and a deep understanding of the game, Gerber was the complete package.
His ability to glide past defenders with ease made him a nightmare for opposition teams.
While he spent time playing inside centre, his final nine Tests for the Springboks saw him cement his status as an all-time great at outside centre.
No matter the era, Danie Gerber remains a name that will always be spoken with reverence in rugby circles.
2) Jaque Fourie – A Modern-Day Icon
If there’s one player who defined world-class centre play in the modern era, it’s Jaque Fourie.
Making his Springbok debut at just 20 years old during the 2003 Rugby World Cup, Fourie wasted no time in proving he belonged on the big stage—scoring a try in his very first match against Uruguay.
But it was during the 2007 Rugby World Cup that he truly came into his own.
Playing a key role in South Africa’s campaign, Fourie featured in six of the seven matches, including the final against England, helping secure the country’s second Webb Ellis Cup.
Fourie’s combination of raw strength, intelligent running lines, and an impenetrable defensive presence made him an indispensable part of the national setup.
His exploits didn’t stop there—he was also a standout performer in the 2009 British & Irish Lions series, scoring one of the most memorable tries in Springbok history.
He played for the national side until 2013, earning 72 caps and leaving behind a legacy as one of the most complete centres to ever wear the jersey.
3) Mannetjies Roux – A Rugby Visionary
While the likes of Japie Mulder (a key player in the 1995 World Cup win) deserve a mention, no list of great Springbok centres would be complete without Mannetjies Roux.
For those who watched the Springboks in the 1960s, Roux was nothing short of a magician on the field.
He was ahead of his time, possessing an X-factor that set him apart.
Described by coaches as a true rugby genius, Roux was the kind of player who could turn a match on its head in an instant.
Legendary South African rugby figure Danie Craven once said, “With Mannetjies Roux on your side, you could take on the world.”
That statement was no exaggeration—during his last 13 Tests for the Springboks, South Africa lost just once, and that defeat came by a single point against the mighty All Blacks.
While Roux played in multiple positions throughout his career, it was at outside centre that he truly made his mark, becoming one of the most respected and admired players of his era.
Do You Agree With Our Rankings?
Rugby debates are always lively, and we’d love to hear your thoughts! Who do you think is the greatest outside centre in Springbok history? Drop a comment, send us a message, or join the discussion on social media!