Doug Hopwood first made his mark when he went to Argentina in 1959 with the Junior Boks. He was then playing for False Bay, an unknown quantity, and he, Lionel Wilson and John Gainsford moved about together like the good friends they were.

To me there was no eighthman like Hennie Muller and before him, George Daneel and André McDonald, but Hopwood was in their league.

Higher praise I cannot give.

He would pop up out of the blue and he was brilliant at linking up with the backs.

He had the stamina of a horse and speed and ability, and he moved like a Flappie Lochner of old - the same loose, relaxed movements.

It is difficult to believe that Doug suffered from a chronic back injury during most of his career.

It was Doug's grit and determination alone which carried him through many a game a lesser man would have thrown in the towel. He has my admiration.