Friday 15 May 2009 10:01, UK
Are there any more superlatives left to describe the Incredible Schalk?
Simply put, he is the most destructive loose forward in world rugby, playing his fetching, bashing, cleaning and linking role with unrivaled intensity, endurance and commitment. After a breakthrough year in 2004 that culminated in recognition as the IRB Player of the Year, Burger has maintained those incredibly high standards and has been among the most consistent performers in the Springbok side over the last four years. No matter what the number on his back, Burger will continue to be a menace at the breakdown and a primary ball-carrier. A nuanced skill he has developed in recent years is his distribution sense, especially his sense of when a pass is on before taking contact and he is now not far off from possessing the perfect game. His mental strength is also world class, and through his actions, he is a motivator of the side.