Outside bet for the greatest player in Springboks history?

It’s a tough debate.

HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND - SEPTEMBER 12, Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Bakkies Botha and Victor Matfield celebrate after the Tri-Nations rugby match between New Zealand and South Africa on September 12, 2009 at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand. Photo by Tertius Pickard / Gallo Images

The Springboks have several candidates for GOAT status but it’s a debate that’s impossible to settle because of personal preference.

Points were Percy’s currency

At the start of his career, Percy Montgomery was known for his flashy, flamboyant skills. However, as he matured and settled into his roles for the Springboks, Sharks, Stormers and clubs abroad, Monty became one of the most dependable players in the world. He was often the first name on the team sheet. A career tally of 102 caps and 893 points for South Africa bears testament. Only six players in history pulled on the green & gold jersey more often than Percival Colin Montgomery. No player amassed more points.

Defensive powerhouse with a superb rugby brain

At his best, Percy was rock-solid as the last defensive line and used his in-game intelligence and tactical smarts to join attacking movements at opportunistic moments. Off the kicking tee, Percy was a metronomic maestro with that abbreviated run-up. 105 of Percy’s points for his country came at the 2007 Rugby World Cup when the Boks beat England in the final. Monty led the individual scoring charts that year. What more can you ask for from a fullback?

Springboks legends Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery and JP Pieterson — ST DENIS, FRANCE – OCTOBER 20: Bryan Habana, Percy Montgomery and JP Pietersen during the IRB 2007 Rugby World Cup final match between The Springboks and England held at the Stade de France on October 20, 2007 in St Denis, France. Source: SARugby

Travel makes a player more well-rounded

Percy had stints with Newport and the Dragons in Wales before a short spell with French outfit Perpignan in 2007. Between 2001 and 2008, he was also a valued member of the Barbarians.

Percy is up there with the most capped Springboks

Percy Montgomery was the first Springbok to reach a century of caps. Overall, his tally of 102 appearances places him seventh in the all-time reckoning. Only Eben Etzebeth, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, John Smit and Jean de Villiers have more. Active players Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and skipper Siya Kolisi are the standout candidates to enter the GOAT debate alongside Montgomery, Habana and Matfield. We’ve been spoiled for choice over the years.

Who is the greatest player in Springboks history?

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