H.O De Villiers, revolutionary

I was cruising around Youtube again when I came across this little gem, footage of the 1969 Springbok test VS Australia at Newlands. The Springboks, with a combined staring XV caps of 150, went on to beat the Wallabies 11 – 3.

I always enjoy watching old footage of rugby greats, such as Mannetjies Roux and H.O De Villiers, the latter whom in his short career, spanning only 14 tests, literally revolutionised the fullback game.

Here is what Doc Craven had to say about H.O, from the Springbok Rugby Hall of Fame website:

I went to Dale College one year and the headmaster, a Mr Searle, told me he had a future Springbok who was then playing for the school.

He revolutionised fullback play in his short career with his willingness to attack at all times, and has gone down in our annals as one of the greatest fullbacks of all time.

“H.O.” was a good looking, clean-cut youngster who was headboy of the school. I addressed the pupils and it was his duty to thank me. I understood he was due to come to Stellenbosch and was looking forward to having him. But when next I heard he was at UCT, and while being disappointed I nevertheless knew he was in good hands.

“H.O.” eventually became a Springbok due as much to his adventurous spirit as his natural talent, physical ability and courage.