FAF DE KLERK, SA’S LETHAL WEAPON

‘YOU REALLY TAKE YOUR PLAY TO ANOTHER LEVEL WHEN YOU PULL ON THAT GREEN JERSEY … IT GIVES YOU A POWERFUL FEELING AND I MISS IT’.

When it comes to commonplace off-field observations, Faf de Klerk is famous for a couple of things. The obvious one is his flowing blond hair, while stripping down to a Speedo in the colours of the South African flag after the World Cup final added to his rugby poster-boy status.

Off the field, De Klerk is also famously down to earth. There is no pretension or posturing when chatting to the World Cup-winning halfback, who is one of the most well-paid and highly-regarded players in world rugby. After all, such status in the game is a far cry from his early days on the professional rugby scene, when he plied his trade for the unfashionable Pumas.

And yet, De Klerk’s chilled ‘surfer boy’ look and relaxed demeanour is completely at odds with his on-field antics. When he takes to the field, the 29-year-old is a ferocious ball of energy and activity, whether it be snapping at the heels