Rugby's Biggest Bruisers - Part Four

In Part Four of our Rugby's Biggest Bruisers series, we take a look at a bulldozing Fijian, a not-so-gentle giant South African and a battle-hardened Namibian...

READ PART ONE HERE

READ PART TWO HERE

READ PART THREE HERE

Eben Etzebeth

Standing 2.03m and weighing 123kg, Etzebeth was made in the mould of a classic bruiser. Even from the tender age of 20, while cutting his teeth at the Stormers, he made his presence firmly known on the field and over the years has built up a reputation as a fierce competitor with an eagerness to intimidate and out-muscle his opponents.

Nemani Nadolo

There are few more intimidating sights in the modern game than the monstrous figure of Nemani Nadolo, ball in hand, in full flight. He exhibits a build which would render him perfectly at home in any forward pack, however, amazingly, he possesses the ability to kick his 1.95m, 130kg frame into a gear of startling pace – more often than not leaving a trail of bruised and battered defenders in his wake en route to the try line.

Jacques Burger

Leading one of the world’s so-called minnow teams, Burger became a global favourite, especially in World Cup tournaments, with his heroically brave efforts in the Namibian jersey. With a tiny pool of players to choose from, Namibia has always struggled on the World Stage. However, under Burger’s fearless leadership, they drew much affection from supporters everywhere and respect from opponents. Apart from representing his country, Burger also enjoyed stints with the Bulls in South Africa and Saracens in England. Raised on a livestock, he has a clearly developed tasted for the physical side of rugby and, indeed, life.