Van Niekerk - talented forward. (Getty Images)
JOE VAN NIEKERK
Born: 14.05.80
Height: 6ft 3in
Weight: 16st 5lb
Position: Flanker
Club: Cats
Caps: 19
Points: 15
A talented loose forward, Van Niekerk was one of the five finalists in the International Rugby Board Player of the Year in 2002.
He won his first Test cap against New Zealand in July 2001, before he had played in either the Super 12 or Currie Cup competitions.
But his potential had already been spotted, earning the Player of the Tournament award at the 2001 SANZAR/UAR U21 Championships in Australia, and he is also a former skipper of South Africa Schools, U19 and U21s.
Now starring for the Cats in the Super 12 tournament, he has missed much of this season with a knee injury, but came back in time for South Africa's last few Tests before the World Cup.
A genuine star of the future who was voted South Africa's Player of the Year for 2002, 'Big Joe' is sure to ruffle a few feathers Down Under.
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