The Springboks will need to make do without all of their foreign-based players for this weekend’s test match against Wales, but in the case of one stalwart, Bakkies Botha, that withdrawal will be more than a temporary measure.
Botha took the opportunity to announce his retirement from the international game in the wake of the side’s 22-6 victory over Italy at the weekend, in which he did not feature. His cameo against England off the bench the week before was thus the big lock’s 85th and final test appearance for his country.
With many of the current crop of “old Boks”, hanging in grimly for one last World Cup campaign, Botha’s motivation seems to have been different. He spoke of his frustration at being forced into what he considered a premature departure from the test arena following an Achilles injury sustained at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. His subsequent renaissance as a Toulon player led to a surprise recall last year and the time spent on the field since has allowed Botha, as he puts it, to leave the test arena on his own terms, which he feels he has now done.
He intends to see out the European season with Toulon, before hopefully playing Currie Cup rugby in 2015 as his last campaign. Botha will retire as one of the most decorated players the sport has ever seen, having won Super Rugby, the Tri-Nations, the Heineken Cup, the Currie Cup and the French domestic league title, in addition to the World Cup.
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Massive player. And massive respect to him for retiring with his head held high. There’s only one Bakkies!
A few more announcements like this and I will be very happy.
But also thanks Bakkies for all your commitment and dedication through the years.
@Seth101 (Comment 2) :
dont get to excited … he might do a matfield
@Zibbie (Comment 4) : He already has, remember the Blood Brothers benefit year these two enjoyed ,the first time they retired.
I hear HM has announced his retirement as well, stating the news of bakkies retirement is too big a lose for him and he cant foresee winning this world cup without the bakkies/matfield duo. Good luck with your next endeavor as the museum gaurd. You will surely be missed…
Nice to see Bakkies going out on his own terms and still contributing to the Bok cause. Like Juan, he knows his abilities and is honest with himself and puts the team ahead of his own ambitions.
Thanks for all the entertainment and for putting pride into the hearts of millions of Bok fans.
I believe he also won the Vodacom Cup, didn’t he? Not that that one holds much up to the others, though.
Sad news as at the moment there isnt a good lock replacement that we can bring off the bench. Lood De Jager is ok but doesnt provide much off the bench in terms of an impact. Hopefully some locks seriously put up their hands in next years Super rugby. I still feel that Bakkies could have played a part. Ability before age as far as im concerned
@David12246 (Comment 8) : yes well, I’m sure he’s also got an u16 club trophy under his belt as well…. I on;y went with the major ones 🙂
@SheldonK (Comment 9) : I reckon PSDT will be the man on the bench or Flip, Lood will now be 5th choice but he will develop. Guthro should do the honourable thing and put the team first 😆
Blue Bulls
Vodacom Cup: 2001
Currie Cup: 2002, 2004, 2009
Bulls
Super Rugby: 2007, 2009, 2010
South Africa
World Cup: 2007
Tri-Nations: 2004, 2009
British & Irish Lions Series Trophy: 2009
Mandela Challenge Plate: 2005, 2009
Freedom Cup: 2004, 2009
Prince William Cup: 2007, 2008, 2010
Toulon
Heineken Cup European Champions: 2013, 2014
Top 14 French League : 2014
One of the real characters of SA rugby. Love him or hate him – no middle ground.
I like that he is leaving on his own terms – just hate it when great players just hang around too long.
@Chippa (Comment 11) : Yeh look as I said there currently isnt but hoping those 2 at least get fit and back in form. Lood just lacks something at the moment but definitely potential there
I always liked Bakkies, except when he was facing the Sharks. Such a physical presence on the field.
LEGEND
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So who’s going to be the first person to suggest the Sharks contract him for Currie Cup 2015…?
@Culling Song (Comment 17) : already did it
@Culling Song (Comment 17) :
Quite a few contenders. But I am sure that Uli will be right up there. 😉
@Big Fish (Comment 19) :
@Culling Song (Comment 17) : Well he is a Natal boy after all.
Well done Bakkies…and thanks…and all the best!
@SheldonK (Comment 9) : I also think that PSdT added to the mix should mean we will be fine at lock going forward…
@Culling Song (Comment 17) : @robdylan (Comment 18) : @Big Fish (Comment 19) : must say I don’t see him going to any other union than the Bulls but yes he could help a lot with “young guys like Lewies and co.
@pastorshark (Comment 23) : Yeh look i really hope so. Coming back from an ACl injury is not fun trust me so he will take a while to regain form and trust in his knee