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A true Springbok hero, a giant and a warrior - tributes pour in for Van der Westhuizen
By Tom Webber
Joost van der Westhuizen was branded a "true Springbok hero" as South Africa Rugby led the tributes to their former captain, who died aged 45 on Monday.
The former scrum-half was admitted to hospital at the weekend and lost his battle with motor neuron disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2011.
Van der Westhuizen was part of the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok side, and scored 38 Test tries in 89 appearances for his country.
Following the sad news of his death, social media was awash with tributes.
Our thoughts and condolences go out to @9Joost family, friends and the millions of fans that adored him. https://t.co/sG4G5zTiJs pic.twitter.com/ppPqFdDeiy
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 6, 2017
South Africa is poorer without Joost van der Westhiuzen, a giant & warrior of SA rugby. I send my sincere condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/f8ko2SPWpI
— RSA Min of Sport (@MbalulaFikile) February 6, 2017
RIP @9Joost
February 6, 2017
Was a pleasure sharing a dressing room with you,A warrior in every sense of the word,legend of the game,God Bless your fam,rus sag ou grote pic.twitter.com/ajM4MrVAf5
— Breyton Paulse (@BreytonPaulse) February 6, 2017
February 6, 2017
Condolences to the friends and family of one of the greats of our game, Joost van der Westhuizen.
February 6, 2017
Very sad to hear of the passing of one of our greats.
February 6, 2017
@J9_FoundationUK Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Joost. A rugby legend and huge supporter in the fight against #MND.
— MND Association (@mndassoc) February 6, 2017
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James O'Connor comments are correct. Having been to the trainings at CHCH 's Malvern Park, there trainings have been fast and furious . They have stepped up a gear on previous seasons. James looks sharp. As do all the new guys. Ethan Blackadder is in great nick. I believe he is going to have great 2025. Off the field a good guy. Same goes for guys like Dominic Gardiner, Cullen Grace, George Bower. As has been the case for the last few years, great seeing Ethan and Dominic following in the footsteps of there Dads Todd Blackadder and Angus Gardiner, who were big parts of the first title winning Crusader teams, Todd the captain.
Go to commentsIt’s very clearly not intentional.
Certainly makes eye contact, and it’s certainly reckless which means he’s facing anything between an 8 - 208 week ban. Which is quite a range!
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