At 1.93m, Pieter Rossouw – dubbed “Slaptjips” – was one of the tallest wings in Springbok history. Ironically, his international career spanned exactly six years – he debuted against the British & Irish Lions on June 28, 1997 and played his final Test against Argentina on June 28, 2003.
During that period, he played in 43 Tests in which he scored 21 tries. The lanky speedster was known as a master of the intercept who scored several tries due to his superb vision and acceleration off the mark. His height also made him a solid player under the highball. He scored his first Springbok try in his second Test against the British & Irish Lions and earned a nomination for 1997 SA Player of the Year in his maiden international season.
Rossouw produced a number of brilliant individual performances including scoring a hat-trick against Wales and a crucial try against the All Blacks that saw the Boks record a rare win on New Zealand soil. However, his most memorable performance was against France in Paris on November 22, 1997, where he scored a then record-equalling four tries in the 52-10 drubbing.
After a nine-year stretch at Western Province, Rossouw went abroad where he linked up with London Irish in a player-coach capacity. He has since returned to South Africa and is currently the backline coach of the Bulls.
Records/Honours:
SA Player of the Year nominee, 1997