The Beginning
Andre Joubert made his debut for Free State in the late 1980’s and quickly established himself as one of South Africa’s premiere players. Free State was know for their attacking rugby and Joubert was often the player to spark their attack from fullback.
He made his debut for the Springboks against the World XV at Newlands in 1989, but had to wait another four years before earning his second cap.
In 1992 he moved to Natal, but was always competing for his position with Hugh Reece-Edwards. With Reece-Edwards’ retirement, Joubert established himself as the best fullback, not only in Durban, but in South Africa.
He finally came to prominence on the Springboks’ tour of the United Kingdom in 1994 and famously scored 38 points against Swansea. He was solid in both tests against Scotland and Wales and showed the world what he could do on attack and on defense.
The 1995 Rugby World Cup
Joubert was a key player in the Springboks’ success in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. In the quarter final against Samoa, Joubert broke his hand after a late and high tackle by Mike Umaga. This didn’t stop him though and after going through some revolutionary rehabilitation, he was back in his post for the semi final against France.
Playing with a broken hand, Joubert was simply sublime in the drenched match against the French. Joubert was peppered with high balls, but he stood firm and never let the French get the upper hand. He was even more notable in the final against the mighty All Blacks at Ellispark. On that day, he defended like a Trojan while giving an exceptional tactical kicking display.
His final flourish
In 1995 and 1995, Andre Joubert was arguably the greatest fullback on the planet. In 1996 he helped Natal reach the first ever Super 12 final against the Auckland Blues. But he will be remembered more for his contributions in the Currie Cup Final later that year.
The match was played against Transvaal at a packed Ellispark. Joubert was at his counter attacking best and scored two magnificent tries. The first when he cut the line and took an inside pass from Jeremy Thompson and the second from a superb chip and chase.
Joubert played his final test for South Africa in 1997 against Australia at Loftus Versfeld and he finished off his career at the Sharks in 1999.
He won three Currie Cups in ’92, ’95 and ’96 as well as that famous World Cup win.
