Schalk Burger has already entered the realm legends, having come back from near death to reclaim his place in the Springbok team.
The Springbok loose forward, Burger, earlier this year won the 'Comeback of the Year' at the annual Laureus sport awards.
Burger's fightback from a life-threatening illness to once again play a key role in the South African national team is one of the most inspirational sporting stories of the year.
He beat off the challenges of Italian soccer player Francesco Acerbi, Diego Milito (Argentina, soccer), Jo Pavey (United Kingdom, athletics), Pierre Vaultnier (France, snowboarding) and Oliver Wilson (UK, golf).
However, another - maybe less noted - fact is the evolution of his game since his return to action after being sidelined for two years.
Burger was, on Wednesday, named at No.8 in the only change to the Bok starting XV - replacing Warren Whiteley.
Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer, speaking ahead op South Africa's opening Rugby Championship match against Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, said that he felt eighthman may well be Burger's best position.
"Warren did well [against the World XV last week, but I think Schalk's best position is No.8," Meyer told a media gathering in Brisbane.
"He has changed his game over the years, from being an out-and-out openside flank and very physical around the breakdown.
"Now he has some brilliant touches and can offload.
"He is a skilful player that can add value from No.8, although he is still physical. He has added some nice touches to his game ."
Meyer said Burger will play a key role in the encounter with the Wallabies, because it is going to be tough on the ground.
"Australia is a team that contests well on the ground and with him [Burger] there we have an extra loose forward that can contest on the ground," the Bok coach said.
"It was always the plan to give him a go at No.8.
"Warren didn't do anything wrong, it is just rotation."
Meyer said that to have two great No.8s pushing for the position of the injured Duane Vermeulen is a great position for the Boks to be in.
"There is good competition amongst them," he said.
Another player welcomed into the team with open arms is lock Lodewyk de Jager, providing cover at lock - a position where Boks are vulnerable - from the bench.
De Jager, who suffered a serious elbow injury in the early stages of the Super Rugby season, is in desperate need of game time, according to the coach.
"It is great to have Lood back, we have been struggling at lock," Meyer said.
"He is not match fit, but he is in superb condition.
"I am hoping for a big game from him coming off the bench - he is an exciting player and [a] big [man]."
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