Real Rugby Facts

Trivia to make you the pub quiz expert!

  • The only Springbok to play over three decades is legendary prop Chris Koch. He played for the Boks from 1949 – 1960.
  • James Small was the first Springbok to be sent off in a test match, on 14 August 1993 against Australia. He was sent off for using foul language by referee Ed Morrison. The Boks lost 20 – 28.
  • Joel Stransky was the first Springbok to score in all possible ways in a test match. He managed this feat in the opening match of RWC 1995 against Australia, scoring a try, four penalties, a conversion and a drop kick.
  • The last player to score a 3 point try for the Springboks was Jan Ellis, against Australia in 1971 and the last player to score a 4 point try was Michael du Plessis, against the World XV in 1989.
  • The first player to score a four point try for the Springboks was Peter Cronje, against the Lions in 1974 and the first player to score a 5 point try was Danie Gerber, against New Zealand in 1992.
  • The only forward to ever kick a drop goal in a test match for the Springboks was Phil Mostert, who dropped from a mark on the halfway line in the second test against New Zealand at Ellispark on 21 July 1928.