Dangermen of the World Cup: Schalk Burger

It wouldn’t feel quite right to go to a World Cup without Schalk Burger in the side. With his shock of blonde hair and his 6’4″ frame, Burger is hard to miss and has been a reliable fixture in the Springboks team for many years. World Cup 2015 will go down as Burger’s fourth consecutive run-out at rugby’s showpiece competition.

After struggling with injuries in the past year, Burger is back in the side and displaying his appetite for hard work, a trait that has elevated him to the upper echelons of the world game.

In two recent showings, one against the Wallabies and one against the All Blacks, Burger was deployed in an unfamiliar position (8th man) but nonetheless proved his worth, running the length and breadth of the field, making gains and fighting for the ball with typical Burger tenacity.

Burger looks set to keep the number 8 jersey, and with good reason. Meyer believes he has developed the subtlety of skill needed to compete with the best no. 8s in the world.

“He’s changed his whole game since he was a youngster when he was an out-and-out open side flank and very physical around the breakdown. “Suddenly he’s developed his game and he’s got some brilliant touches and he can get the ball away,” Meyer said. “He’s a great, skilful player so I think he can add value from eight. Although he’s still physical, with age he’s developed the touches.”

Ever the professional, Burger will play in any role he’s asked to fill, and wears the green and gold badge with ferocious pride. Capable of lung-busting runs and try-saving tackles, South Africans will breathe easier knowing he’s travelling to England. Still only 32, ‘Schalla’ has seemingly been around decades.