I saw Gert Muller at the second Craven week in 1965. Natal had a brilliant schoolboy team and I spotted another Springbok there, Andy van der Watt. Both came to Stellenbosch but rumours that I had specifically asked Andy to come to Maties were untrue.

Like Ray Mordt years later, Gert was tremendously strong on the run.

His younger brother was playing in a practice match at Stellenbosch one afternoon, when Gert went on to the field and said: "Excuse me Mr. ref, I just want a word with my brother, Andries." He then walked up to his brother and said: "Onthou jy nie wat pa vir ons gesê het - dat ons deur die manne moet hardloop? Met wilskrag en beslistheid kan ons deur hulle hardloop. Jy staan hier en slaap en as jy nie nou die bal vat en maak soos pa vir ons geleer het - vat ek jou persoonlik van die veld af." ("Don't you remember what dad told us - that we must run through the opposition? With willpower and determination you can get past anyone. But you're wandering around like a lost sheep. If you don't knuckle down and do what dad told us to do - I will personally take you off the field.")

Young Andries took the hint. That was Gert's entire outlook on life - as far as he was concerned no-one could stop him; nothing was impossible if he wanted to do it.

I would very much like to see what is going to happen to his offspring as his wife, Letitia, was also a fine Springbok athlete. Sporting excellence will surely course strongly through the veins of their children.