Philip Nel, the greatest Springbok ever

Some will undoubtedly disagree with this but if rugby players are to remembered forever...Oom Flip certainly won't be forgotten if by South Africans at least not by New Zealanders. If assessment depend on achievements, Philip has them all.

I thought of him the other day. Driving through the little farming village of Greytown and turning off to the left on the road that leads to Dundee, I was on my way to go fly-fishing for trout on the farm that was once Philip Nel's. The fishing club I belong to leases dams and rivers from farmers in KZN midlands and berg. This farm has 2 dam's stocked with trout, Philip Nel's Dam and Dad's Dam so named after him.

My interest in him might stem from the fact that he went to my old school way back in the early 1900's but justifiably there is far more than that. He led the only Springbok side that had a clean sweep of NZ and Australia...what an achievement.

Philip Jacobus Nel (17 June 1902, in Kranskop district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – 11 February 1984, in Greytown) was a former South African Springbok captain.

The son of Piet Nel and Kitty Maritz, he was educated at Maritzburg College, matriculating as Head Prefect and captain of the rugby First XV in 1921. Nel enjoyed the rare distinction of earning a Natal (open) rugby cap while still at school. He made his debut for the Springboks against the 1928 All Blacks, and captained the side in 1933 (against the Wallabies) and on the all-conquering tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1937. Known affectionately as "The Greatest Springboks", Nel's 1937 team remains the only Springbok team ever to have won a test series in New Zealand.

Nel saw action in World War II, serving as a major in the Umvoti Mounted Rifles.

Married to Jose Havemann, they produced a family of 4 children. Affectionately known as "oom Flip", he farmed at 'Vetspruit' and died at his home in Greytown on 11 February 1984, after a long illness.

Great piece you wrote,my Dad (GMM Nel) used to tell me alot of stories about Phillip...I grew up on  one of phillips farm outside greytown up untill i was about 6...remember them faintly.

Regards

Maurice Maritz Nel

Yes he was indeed one of the great Springbok players and Captains.

Many great South Africans come from that part of the country.

I visited that beautiful area of SA on many a holiday and was always struck by the kindness of the people and the natural beauty.

Unfortunately all will soon be lost for all time.

What a pity.

Waaaay before our time Saffez.

I was in Indian Education where I believe his brother PRT Nel was an Inspector of Education and I can remember meeting him in  roundabout 1977,   He was with PRT Nel and I was very impressed by a very kind person,  highly admired by everybody in the work environment.

His wife's brother in the 1980's sold his properties in Greytown and moved to Ballito and was a Major of Ballito for about 4 years while I was working for the Municipality,   An absolute gentleman in all respects.   

Runs in the family I believe.    

Philip Nel....undoubtedly a great  Springbok. Victor Matfield, the greatest Springbok. A routine World's Best XV pick. MOM in the WC final and the WC third place game, and the most devastating lineout exponent to play the game. 

Jan Ellis was awesome.

Enjoyable read...tx Seba

"Jan Ellis was awesome."

Nicknamed "Die Windhond"?

Eina - SS-S had to bring in Matfield as the greatest player of all time.  Very few people really think so.      

Eina - SS-S had to bring in Matfield as the greatest player of all time.  Very few people really think so.      

The original Windhond was Hennie Muller

Victor Matfield GOAT. Hahahahaha hahahaha very funny Dr Mozzzz.

Yes many a rugby player has represented SA as a Springbok and I find it difficult to select any one player as the best ever.

What about these guys:

Frik du Preez,Tommy Bedford, Avril Malan, Jan Pickard, Oz du Randt, Ray Moort, Dannie Gerber, Tom van Vollenhoven, Carl du Plessis, Hansie Briers, Chris Koch, Jaap Bekker, Mark Andrews, Bakkies Botha, Bismark du Plessis, Brian Habana just for starters.

How soon we forget...........

John Gainesford the O Driscoll of the sixties.