Part of the only father-son combination in the history of Springbok rugby to captain the team, Morne du Plessis followed in his father Felix’s footsteps and went on to become one of South Africa’s greatest players and leaders. 

The number eight captained the Springboks to 13 wins in 15 tests and famous series victories were achieved against the All Blacks and the Lions during his five-year reign in charge of the team.

The Western Province player made his Springbok debut on the tour of Australia in 1971, which ended with a 3-0 series victory, and was on the losing side in just four of his 22 test appearances, the last of which came against France in Pretoria, in November 1980. 

As team manager of the Springboks in 1995, Du Plessis was a key figure in helping the Rainbow Nation realise their dream of winning the Rugby World Cup on home soil.