Yet another of the Springboks of yesteryear, Dirk de Vos who represented South Africa in the 1960’s and 70’s has passed away.
East London – Former Springbok scrumhalf from the 1960s and early 1970s, Dirk de Vos died on Saturday from a heart attack in Potchefstroom at the age of 69.
Born on 8 April 1940, De Vos was educated at Graeme College, Grahamstown.
He represented Western Province and Western Transvaal in Currie Cup matches.
Not always popular with the critics, he was often criticised for being a selfish player, but on his day he could be a match-winner with his darting runs and strategic kicks.
Former Bok captain Hannes Marais was sad to hear of De Vos’ death.
“He was a good friend of mine but I knew he wasn’t well lately as he did not join us for recent reunions,” Marais said from his home in Port Elizabeth Sunday.
“Dirkie could do brilliant things but would often play his own game.
“He loved to kick and charge and if it worked that was wonderful for the team,” Marais added.
De Vos represented South Africa in three Test matches, touring Ireland and Scotland in 1965, the United Kingdom in 1969-70 and Australia in 1971.
He played Tests against Scotland at Murrayfield in 1965 and 1969 – both games were lost – and replacing an injured Springbok captain Dawie de Villliers, he played one home Test at Newlands against Australia in 1969.
For most of his international career De Vos played in the shadow of both De Villiers and Piet Uys.
After the devastating tour of Ireland and Scotland when both internationals were lost, De Vos was sacked for 1965 tour of Australia and New Zealand and former captain Nelie Smith took his place as understudy to De Villiers.
De Vos only able to reclaim a place in 1969.
The “Umbrella Test” at Newlands saw De Vos play an outstanding game along with Piet Visagie at flyhalf, and he was selected for the demo-hit tour of the United Kingdom in 1969-70. On the tour of Australia in 1971 he was deputy scrumhalf to Joggie Viljoen.
Altogether he played 18 matches in the green and gold.
(Original report: Sport24.co.za)
Rest in peace Oom Dirk…
… and so the tall trees keep falling….
RIP!
He also played for Northern Transvaal. In 1973 he won the Currie Cup almost single handedly for the blou bulle.
Baie hartseer. Een van die beste en onderskatte skrummies.
Was gelukkig om oom Dirkie te geken het van my dae in Klerksdorp en Potch. Lekker stories gehoor en valuable tips geleer!
RIP oom Dirkie, en meegevoel aan familie en vriende.
Thanks McLook i thought i saw him in Blou Bul klere. I was 14 when he won that CC for the Bulls, and with my bad memory i felt uneasy when all the reports missed his play for Northern Transvaal.
RIP Dirk de Vos@ McLook:
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