Last home test for Adriaan Strauss . . .

I doubt if Springbok captain Adriaan Strauss will be remembered as one of the greats of SA rugby - the fact that half of his 62 caps were as a reserve is proof that he was never able to command his spot in the Springbok team - but he will be remembered as an excellent lineout thrower and a humble team man who led the Springboks with integrity during a very difficult time.

Strauss was never involved in any controversies I am aware of, he was never yellow carded in a test match and he has always conducted himself with class and dignity. I know many people questioned his appointment as captain because they felt he wasn't the best in his position but Strauss didn't select himself and if there are better hookers in the country, they haven't taken the opportunities given to them to prove it.

I get the impression Strauss was a rather reluctant captain for the national team and the unwanted captaincy might have played some part in his decision to retire from international rugby. He's never been the most vocal and while he leads by example, he's not the most inspirational skipper we've ever had . . . but he can at least say he's done his best and that's all anyone can ever ask.

Not sure if Strauss will be part of the Year End tour so this could in fact be his last test but it's definitely his last test at home and I wish him well in the future.

One of the good guys.

I wonder if the Quotas have something to do with his retiring. 
Perhaps he does not want to be part of the sinking ship- and be remembered as captain of the SpringQuotas. 
The strategic transformation plan is to have more and more non-white players- including coaches like Stick with no experience. 

 Seems like a decent and honourable sort of bloke ,I wish him well more so after next weekend though !

 The better hookers I've known tended to be mean and aggressive. Not shy to punch your lights out.
Strauss was perhaps to much of a gentleman. He needed a good dose of aggression. I think that that was what separated him from Bismarck.
Still ... a good solid hooker to have on the bench as cover. 

 Adriaan Strauss is gentleman.