The 5 Most Overrated Springboks Of All Time (Ranked)

From World Cup-winning captains and fearsome forwards to game-changing backs, the Springboks have built a legacy few nations can match. Their rich history is packed with legends who have inspired generations and helped make South Africa one of rugby's true superpowers.

But with greatness comes debate.

Being overrated doesn't mean a player wasn't brilliant. In fact, some of the most overrated players in rugby history were still world-class internationals. It simply means their reputation may have grown slightly beyond their actual standing in the game.

With that in mind, we've counted down the five most overrated Springboks of all time.

Few players have achieved more in a Springbok jersey than Percy Montgomery.

The colourful full-back won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, became South Africa's record points scorer and earned over 100 Test caps. Yet his reputation occasionally places him among the greatest full-backs in rugby history, a debate that remains far from settled.

Montgomery was an exceptional goal-kicker and a reliable performer under pressure, but some would argue his overall game doesn't quite match the likes of Christian Cullen, Serge Blanco or Ben Smith.

Quirky fact: Montgomery kicked 12 points in South Africa's 15-6 victory over England in the 2007 Rugby World Cup final.

Nicknamed "The Rolls-Royce" for his elegant running style, André Joubert remains one of South Africa's most admired backs.

A key figure in the Springboks' famous 1995 Rugby World Cup triumph, Joubert possessed immense class and composure. However, his legendary status sometimes sees him ranked ahead of more complete modern players who faced tougher professional-era competition.

That isn't a criticism of Joubert's ability, merely an acknowledgement of how highly he is often rated.

Quirky fact: Joubert scored one of the most famous tries in Springbok history against England at Twickenham in 1994.

Schalk Burger was everything South African rugby fans love in a forward.

Aggressive, relentless and fiercely competitive, he won World Rugby Player of the Year in 2004 and played a major role in South Africa's 2007 World Cup success.

The argument for Burger appearing on this list is simple: some supporters rank him as the greatest Springbok flanker ever. While he was undoubtedly elite, there are strong cases for Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi and Juan Smith being equally influential figures.

Quirky fact: Burger won the 2004 World Rugby Player of the Year award at just 21 years old.

This will be the name that causes the biggest arguments.

Bryan Habana is one of rugby's greatest try scorers and a genuine Springbok icon. He won the 2007 Rugby World Cup, was named World Rugby Player of the Year and finished his Test career with 67 tries.

So why is he here?

Because some fans place him alongside Jonah Lomu as the greatest wing in rugby history. While Habana's achievements are extraordinary, others would argue that Lomu, Cheslin Kolbe and David Campese had an even greater impact on the game.

Quirky fact: Habana famously raced a cheetah in 2007 as part of a promotional event.

No Springbok generates more debate than Naas Botha.

The fly-half was one of the biggest stars of South African rugby during the amateur era and remains revered by many supporters. His tactical kicking, game management and points-scoring ability made him one of the most influential players of his generation.

However, much of Botha's reputation is built on potential rather than achievements at the highest international level due to South Africa's sporting isolation.

Many still rank him comfortably ahead of Handré Pollard, while others point to Pollard's two Rugby World Cup titles, British & Irish Lions series victory and unmatched record in knockout rugby as evidence that the modern star has surpassed him.

Quirky fact: Botha scored over 300 points for the Springboks despite playing only 28 Tests.

Since rugby turned professional in 1995, England have had a host of captains lead the team through World Cups, Grand Slams, Lions tours and some of the biggest moments in the sport's history.

From World Cup-winning legends to short-term stand-ins, how many England captains of the professional era can you name?

You have five minutes to name them all. Good luck!?