Celebrating Monty’s century
16 Jul 2008
In an SA Rugby magazine exclusive, Andre Joubert, HO de Villiers and Chris Latham pay tribute to Percy Montgomery, who’s set to become the first Bok to play 100 Tests.
There can be no doubt about it. Montgomery, who will make his 99th appearance against the Wallabies on Saturday, is a Bok legend. During an international career spanning 11 years and four Bok coaches, he has scored nearly 900 Test points, and won a Tri-Nations and a World Cup. Next year, he is set to become the first man in 26 years to play two Test series against the British & Irish Lions.
Who better to pay tribute to Monty than someone who mentored him (HO), played with him (Jouba) and against him (Latham). Each former fullback gives a unique perspective on the South African who now holds 87 Springboks records.
We also talk to Monty about whether there is such a thing as the complete fullback, his favourite ground, his most memorable Test (apart from the World Cup final), why he prefers touring New Zealand to Australia, the funniest player he’s ever known, and what defines him.
Also in this issue:
– Conrad Jantjes on his fight for the Bok No 15 jersey, how he’s evolved as a player since his Test debut in 2001 and how he feels about Monty joining WP
– Zimbabwe has recently produced three Boks, but the state of the game north of our border is anything but healthy. We investigate
– Andries Bekker talks about his Test debut, what he’s learnt from Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield and the influence Luke Watson has had on his career
– We speak to Sharks coach John Plumtree about the challenge of them winning the Currie Cup (at last), keeping his youngsters in Durban, tweaking the set-up and why the squad needs to hurt when they lose
– Rory Kockott on failing to crack Springbok selection, why he left the Golden Lions, how he approaches goal-kicking and what it’s like to play alongside Frederic Michalak
– We visit Toulouse No 8 Shaun Sowerby in France, and find out why he wants to add to his one Bok cap
– Ollie le Roux discusses his short stint with Leinster, why he wouldn’t have brought John Smit and Victor Matfield back from France, and the threat he poses if he ever goes into coaching
PLUS: Luke Burgess + Lawrence Dallaglio + Top 14 final + SA U20s + free Monty poster
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212 Comments
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16 Jul 2008, 13:04 pm
Who would have thought, 5 years ago, that Percy and Butch would be the calming influences of the current Boks.
16 Jul 2008, 13:07 pm
BUUUUUUUT, lets not forget:
1997 Percy was good (awesome at the end of 97)
1998 Awesome
1999-2002-Kak kak kak kak kak
2002-2004 He was in Wales
2004-2008 Awesome
I’m torn between him being one of our top 15′s and being one of our great 15′s.
16 Jul 2008, 14:26 pm
#191 The Insider: cheers
16 Jul 2008, 14:38 pm
#202 londonshark: Lasting that long you have to lean towards great – point taken though.
16 Jul 2008, 15:03 pm
#204 adj nm:
True story. If he had always offered such a good kicking option, it would be a no brainer thats for sure.
If only he could kick like he does now against the Lions in 97. He has 2009 to make up for it though.
16 Jul 2008, 15:11 pm
Matt burke was the ultimate match winner(IMHO) at 15.Had the boot,Running skills,Hands,versatility most importantly BMT.
Won countless games via boot or tries…
Not a big fan of anything Australian but I can appreciate true class..
Gavin Hastings was also impressive-all round rugby player.(the little I saw of him)
Andre Joubert-my favourite player of all time.Grew up watching him at KingsPark..Natal and Bok Legend..Will never forget him matching Lourens Venter(Kalahari express) for pace in 99 S12…when he was 35!!!
Cullen…The best Attacking player/Fullback to play the game…Was also very priveleged to play in the golden era that included Umaga,Wilson,Lomu,Bunce….Who often set him up to stroll in for tries…But from 96-98 he was unstoppable…
16 Jul 2008, 15:15 pm
Christian Cullen has to be tops.
H O de Villiers also had the same total class.
JPR Williams maybe in the same bracket.
The rest, albeit, very very good – not in the same genius class.
Percy came back from Europe a much better and mature player than when he went over.
16 Jul 2008, 15:30 pm
Yeah I think Cullen was a cut above the rest. Very underrated kicking game too.
Burke was the compete 15 though. He had it all and allowed Larkem to play at 10 by handling the place kicking.
16 Jul 2008, 16:10 pm
well done monty, we back 100%!
16 Jul 2008, 16:26 pm
Just to think I didn’t rate him in his early years…but as time has gone on he has been a pillar of strength, how wrong can you be….Brilliant Achievement!! Hats off to him…Respect!
17 Jul 2008, 04:35 am
Percy’s a survivor, but I wouldn’t rate him as high as HO de Villiers, Gerrie Brand or Joubert. Not sure he was better than Johan Heunis or Gysie Pienaar.
It doesn’t really matter, though. 100 caps is a pretty small club and a tremendous achievement. Congrats Percy.
1 Aug 2008, 09:57 am
Go you good thing
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