Santon - memorable debut. (Getty Images)
DALE SANTON
Born: 18.08.69
Height: 5ft 9in
Weight: 16st 4lbs
Position: Hooker
Club: Bulls
Caps: 3
Points: 0
A hooker who only made his Test match debut in July this year against Australia at the age of 33, Santon works full-time as a training officer.
Although he toured with the Springboks in 1997 to Italy, France, England and Scotland, he didn't play a Test, but in July this year he finally made the big time in his 16th season in the first-class game.
His Test debut was even more memorable as it came in front of the Newlands crowd – Santon was born in Cape Town.
The oldest South African Test debutant since Deon Lötter, who was 35 when he made his debut against France in 1993, Santon was so out of favour that in 2000 he failed to secure a Super 12 contract, but fought back to play well for the Bulls and also gain representation in the South African A team.
At one stage thinking of giving the game away, he worked hard to lose weight earlier this year and is now reaping the benefits.
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