Springboks Great Dies in Church After Watching South Africa Beat All Blacks in Cape Town

• Former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen passed away aged 78 on Sunday morning after suffering a heart attack in Namibia
• The former Springboks star had watched the Springboks beat the All Blacks 33-26 in Cape Town the night before his death
• SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Jansen, calling his legacy one that stretched far beyond his 10 Test caps

Former Springbok centre Joggie Jansen, remembered as one of the most physically imposing defenders of his era, died on Sunday morning at the age of 78 after suffering a heart attack while attending church in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, where he had been visiting.

Jansen, born in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape on 5 February 1948, had spent Saturday evening watching the Springboks defeat the All Blacks 33-26 at the Cape Town Stadium before he passed the following morning.

The tackle that defined a career

Jansen earned 10 Test caps for South Africa between 1970 and 1972, scoring one international try. He made his debut against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970, a match that would produce the moment most associated with his name.

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His bone-crunching hit on All Blacks flyhalf Wayne Cottrell shifted momentum in South Africa's favour as the Springboks went on to win 17-6. Jansen featured in all four Tests of that series, with South Africa securing three victories over New Zealand.

His international career also included Tests against France, Australia and England, along with five further tour matches in which he crossed the line five times. At provincial level, he represented the Free State and was part of their 1976 Currie Cup-winning squad.

Jansen attended Hoërskool Griekwastad alongside his brother Eben. The two remain the only Springboks that the Northern Cape school has produced.

SA Rugby leads tribute to Jansen

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander led tributes to Jansen, highlighting the former Springbok’s significant contribution to South African rugby history.

Alexander described Jansen as a proud Springbok who represented his country with the commitment, courage and determination expected of anyone wearing the green and gold at Test level. He also praised Jansen as a formidable rugby player who embodied the uncompromising spirit that defined the Springboks of his era.

While acknowledging that Jansen’s famous tackle on Cottrell had become a memorable part of Springbok folklore, Alexander stressed that the former player’s legacy extended far beyond that single moment.

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He said Jansen’s impact was reflected in his 10 Test appearances and his performances during an extraordinary period in South African rugby. His commitment, physicality and renowned defensive ability ensured that his name remained firmly embedded in Springbok history.

Alexander also extended his condolences to Jansen’s family, friends, former teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Source: Briefly News