#2. Schalk Burger (South Africa)
Position: Back-row
Height: 6 ft 4 in
Weight: 242 lb
Test caps: 86
Where Smith was subtle, Schalk Burger was seismic.
The Springbok bruiser redefined physicality in the back row, combining explosive power with ferocious intent at every breakdown and collision. Burger didn’t just want to win contact – he wanted to dominate it.
McCaw knew every time he lined up opposite him, it would be a war.
“You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you’ve had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger, you knew where they were going to be and how hard they play near the ball.”
Expanded bio:
Burger made his Springbok debut in 2002 and quickly became the heartbeat of South Africa’s pack. His crowning moment came in 2007, when he played a pivotal role in South Africa’s Rugby World Cup triumph, earning World Rugby Player of the Year honours the following season.
In 2009, Burger’s career – and life – was nearly cut short by a rare and life-threatening spinal infection. Many feared he would never play again. Instead, he returned to Test rugby, captained his country, and added even more ferocity to his legacy.
At club level, Burger starred for the Stormers and later Saracens, where he became a cult hero and Premiership winner.
Did you know?
Away from rugby, Burger runs the Welbedacht Wine Estate with his family near Wellington in South Africa’s Western Cape.
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