When I think of Ernst Dinkelmann I recall that he was quick-tempered and wanted everything done quickly and efficiently, probably because of his German ancestry.

He was one of the few players I knew who would play himself into total exhaustion during a match, so much so that 20 minutes after the final whistle he would still be lying on the bench, trying to recover.

There was never any holding back with Dinkelmann whatever the opposition, but when he played for South Africa in particular, he gave his all.

This is one of the reasons he has had such an impact on the game, not only in his playing days, but now as an authoritative and respected administrator as well.