Joost van der Westhuizen
A revolutionary South African scrum-half whose fierce defense and leadership were instrumental in winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup.
1971–2017 (age 46)·South African rugby union player·Birthday: February 20·Generation X
Biography
Joost van der Westhuizen redefined the scrum-half position with a blend of athleticism, grit, and tactical sharpness that made him the world's best. He exploded onto the scene just as South Africa returned to international rugby, becoming the dynamic engine of the Springboks' backline. His try-saving tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup final is etched in sporting lore, a moment of sheer will that symbolized South Africa's improbable victory. Van der Westhuizen was not just a quick passer; he was physically formidable, a try-scoring threat, and a defensive bulwark unusual for his position. His career, which included a Tri-Nations title and 89 test caps, was cut short by injury, but his impact was permanent. Later, his very public battle with motor neuron disease showcased the same courage he displayed on the field, turning him into a symbol of resilience until his passing in 2017.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Joost was born in 1971, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joost Was Born
The biggest hits of 1971
#1 Movie
Fiddler on the Roof
Best Picture
The French Connection
#1 TV Show
Marcus Welby, M.D.
Joost's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1971Born
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1976Started school
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1984Became a teenager
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Could drive
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1989Could vote
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1992Turned 21
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2001Turned 30
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2011Turned 40
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2017Died at 46
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
Key Achievements
- Won the 1995 Rugby World Cup with South Africa, making a legendary try-saving tackle on Jonah Lomu in the final.
- Captained the Springboks in 10 test matches between 1999 and 2001.
- Scored 38 test tries, a remarkable tally for a scrum-half at the time.
- Won the Tri-Nations tournament with South Africa in 1998.
Did You Know?
His famous tackle on Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup final was voted one of the greatest moments in South African sports history.
He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (ALS) in 2011 and established the J9 Foundation to raise awareness and funds for MND.
He played his entire provincial career for the Blue Bulls in Pretoria.
He was named South African Rugby Player of the Year in 1999.
““The moment I was diagnosed, I knew I had a choice. I could sit back and watch, or I could fight.””
