Ernst Dinkelmann
Full names: Ernst Erich
Date of birth: 14 May 1927
Place of birth: Ermelo
School: Ermelo
Springbok no: 300
Debut test province: Northern Transvaal
Physical: 1.92m, 102kg
Date of death: 22 Oct 2010 (Age 83)

Test summary: Tests: 6 Tries: 2
First Test: 24 Nov 1951 Age:24 Lock against Scotland at Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Last Test: 5 Sep 1953 Age:26 Lock against Australia at Newlands, Cape Town
Test history:
DateAgePositionOpponentResultScoreVenueProv
24 Nov 195124LockScotlandWin: 44-01 tryMurrayfield, EdinburghN-Tvl
08 Dec 195124LockIrelandWin: 17-5 Aviva Stadium (Lansdowne Road), DublinN-Tvl
05 Jan 195224LockEnglandWin: 8-3 Twickenham, LondonN-Tvl
16 Feb 195224LockFranceWin: 25-31 tryStade Olympique, Colombes, ParisN-Tvl
22 Aug 195326LockAustraliaWin: 25-3 Ellispark, JohannesburgN-Tvl
05 Sep 195326LockAustraliaLose: 14-18 Newlands, Cape TownN-Tvl

Ernst Dinkelmann : Doc Craven

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.