Thursday, 16th August 2007 at 5:43 pm

Percy Montgomery says goodbye

He’s been booed at Loftus while wearing a Springbok jersey. He’s been condemned time and again by a conservative nation uncomfortable with a blonde beach boy in white boots. Few South Africans will ever mention him in the same breath as Andre Joubert. And yet when Percy Montgomery finishes his final Test match at the World Cup, South Africa will bid farewell to a truly great Springbok.

Montgomery himself said adieu on Wednesday night to the one crowd where he was genuinely appreciated early in his career, and the roar he received at Newlands was testament to a player fondly remembered. That affection now extends to Durban, his time with the Sharks having won him a new legion of admirers, as well as underlining the value of players having a stint in Europe as part of their rugby education.

But despite the coastal support, Montgomery remains a distinctly under-rated player, his value at the back immense for a young, exciting backline that needs Monty’s guiding hand. That a hundred caps lies on the horizon (he won’t quite make it, sadly, for he certainly deserves his century) is a salient reminder of the value several coaches have seen in him, from Nick Mallett, who installed him in midfield against the Lions, to Jake White, who brought him back from Europe to form a cornerstone of his Springbok squad.

Much will depend on Montgomery in his last hurrah, from last line defence to kicking for goal, and a strong World Cup from the fullback will go a long way to seeing the Springboks returning home with a trophy in tow. They’ll be short one world class fullback when they return, Montgomery staying on in France for another European stint; exciting as Frans Steyn is as a replacement, Feverpitcher will be sad to see the last of an outstanding rugby player who hasn’t always been given the appreciation he deserves.