Was Joost van der Westhuizen rugby's greatest ever halfback?

I recently authored an article based on the question, “is Gareth Edwards the greatest rugby player ever?” with the answer not conclusive, but he was voted by many as the greatest halfback.

After research on Joost van der Westhuizen I have to say that if Edwards was a better half-back than Westhuizen then he must have been a magnificent player!

Why do we need to discuss who is the greatest anyway? It helps to remind us of past players who would otherwise slip through the cracks of rugby history. Our own biases and beliefs come into play in our choice of player. Edwards was an iconic player whose only apparent weakness was coming second to the unique Sidney Milton Going in their encounters.

Joost van der Westhuizen may even outdo them all in determining the greatest halfback and one who will make my favourite team of players from outside New Zealand and Australia. I thought it was a foregone conclusion that Edwards was the one but Joost has pipped him at the post. So, he gets to play inside a backline of Barry John, Danie Gerber, Philippe Sella, Gareth Davies, David Duckham and JPR Williams.

Joost Heystek van der Westhuizen was born 1971 in Pretoria and passed away in 2017 aged 45 years from the brutal motor neurone disease. Most halfbacks are in that position because they stopped growing compared to others, not Joost who stood at the impressive height of 6ft 2 inches (1.88m).

His career included the Junior Springboks to the Blue Bulls of Northern Transvaal and then professional rugby with the Bulls in Super Rugby. Westhuizen made his Test debut in 1993 aged 22 years versus Argentina in Buenos Aires and he went on to accumulate 89 Tests for his country and scored an impressive 38 tries. By the time he retired from international rugby in 2003 he had become the first South African to play in three Rugby World Cups, was captain on ten occasions and won the Tri-Nations title in 1998.

To many followers his optimal role came in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final where he was a key player in subduing the colossus, Jonah Lomu. At least three tackles were made by Joost on Lomu which if any had been missed would possibly have resulted in tries. To tackle Lomu head on took exceptional courage which was a hallmark of Westhuizen’s.

The two became friends afterwards up until Lomu’s passing in 2015.

Joost van der Westhuizen could have played most positions on the rugby field with the pace of a winger and the strength to play as a flanker. His defence matched his attacking ability, with his committed physical approach making opposition teams fearful of him.

According to reports he was a national hero, but The Guardian newspaper surprisingly said he was not universally popular in the game. Hopefully our South African friends can clarify this story. I believe his stance on some issues may have gone against The Guardian’s beliefs?

With the change in Government in South Africa there were changes for the Springboks, with people believing Joost, who was a faithful Springbok and fierce Afrikaner, finding the liberalised Springboks an issue. He, however, did fit in and took it in his stride.

After his retirement he became embroiled in controversial issues, including a sex video and drug use. This is no defence of him but when players retire, they become a little lost and unsure in direction, they miss the structure and adulation of a high-profile rugby career. Joost was no different and it proved costly to his reputation and relationships. Things happen for a reason however and it is how we react to life’s difficulties that defines us.

Joost van der Westhuizen (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a form of MND, in 2009 and was given up to five years to live. It would have been quite easy for him to retreat into his shell and withdraw from society but he chose the alternative route by establishing the J9 Foundation which assists the research and awareness into this hideous disease.

By 2013 he had deteriorated to using a wheelchair and his speech had become slurred. “I realise every day could be my last. It’s been a rollercoaster from day one and I know I’m on a deathbed from now on. I’ve had my highs and I have had my lows, but no more. I’m a firm believer that there’s a bigger purpose in my life and I am very positive, very happy,” he told BBC reporter, James Peacock.

Visiting rugby teams and players paid their respects to talk about the old times and paid tribute to him. His main motivation for staying alive was watching his two children Jordan and Kylie grow up, while he also moved back with his estranged wife. The emotional tribute to him when he walks onto the Ellis Park field, aided by the ekso skeleton to help him walk will bring a tear to your eye.

Joost van der Westhuizen died at his home in Johannesburg surrounded by his family on the 6th of February 2017.

He achieved his dream of playing for the Springboks and met many difficulties during his career but was always a loyal and courageous team member. It appears there were three parts to his life: his rugby career, retirement and then his battle with MND. Maybe he regained his life focus after he lost his way and was then diagnosed, which may sound unusual to say.

Joost van der Westhuizen, arguably the greatest ever half-back and a favourite team member.