Best hookers ever played for South Africa and New Zealand

Before the big test between South Africa and the All Blacks next weekend, we look at the best ever hookers who have played for the Springboks and All Blacks.

South Africa

1. John Smith. Smith was the 50th captain of the Springboks and led them to win the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He was capped 111 times and scored 40 points

2. Bismarck du Plessis. In 2007, du Plessis made his debut against Australia in the Tri Nations. He represented the Springboks 79 times and scored 55 points

3. Malcolm Marx. Marx made his debut for the Springboks in 2016 v New Zealand. In 2017 he became a regular starter for the Springboks winning 64 caps so far scoring 85 points. He was part of the 2019 and 2023 Springbok squad that won the World Cup. Unfortunatly he was injured during the 2023 World Cup.

New Zealand

1. Dane Coles. Coles won 90 caps for the All Blacks and scored 115 points. He made his debut in 2012 and was a nominee for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2016

2. Keven Mealamu. Mealamu was capped 132 times by the All Blacks and scored 60 points. Mealamu was known for his hard-tackling approach to the game. He was part of the 2011 and 2015 World Cup squads.

3. Sean Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick made his debut for the All Blacks back in 1986, winning 92 caps and scoring 60 points. He won the test series against the British and Irish Lions in 1993 and a series win over the Springboks in South Africa.