He came from Free State, and scored three consecutive tries against Ireland on the 1912/13 tour of the British Isles.

I met him once or twice. A quiet fellow, reserved and one who always kept himself to himself - a private person. Although I never saw him play, I was told by his contemporaries that he was one of the fastest and most deceptive runners the game has produced.

And that is why, coming from what was the then relatively unknown Free State rugby nurseries, he became such a famous Springbok.