Jannie du Plessis

Jannie du Plessis did not arrive in Test rugby as a flashy prospect, but as the embodiment of the old-school tighthead prop: a man whose job was to provide an immovable platform. Alongside his brother Bismarck, he formed the core of a formidable Springbok front row for nearly a decade. His career was one of gradual, hard-earned ascent through the South African domestic system, from the Cheetahs to the Sharks, where his scrummaging expertise became legendary. In the green and gold, he was a fixture, starting in two World Cups and playing a central role in the 2009 series victory over the British & Irish Lions. Du Plessis's game was defined by technical mastery, immense strength, and a workmanlike attitude. He was the anchor that allowed others to shine, a player whose value was instantly clear to teammates and coaches, if sometimes overlooked by those watching from the stands.