It is surely only a matter of time before South African-born fast bowler Neil Wagner graduates from the Otago Volts to the Black Caps. Hayden Meikle looks at nine other cases of South Africans contributing to New Zealand sport.
Irene van Dyk
Sport: Netball.
Rating: Definitely A for Awesome.
The story: Irene van Dyk was already the best shooter in the world in 1999, capable of singlehandedly dominating a game. But her country, South Africa, was never going to consistently challenge Australia and New Zealand. The crime was a turn-off, too. So van Dyk came to New Zealand and within six months was pulling on a Silver Ferns bib. That raised a few eyebrows, but not for long. Over the next 11 years, van Dyk dominated world netball, and led the Ferns to a world title and two Commonwealth Games gold medals. When she retires, she will be considered perhaps the greatest netballer of all time.
Greg Rawlinson
Sport: Rugby.
Rating: C-minus.
The story: Came to New Zealand in 2002 and played for Bay of Plenty, North Harbour and the Blues. Something of a surprise call-up to the All Blacks in 2006, the big lock earned four caps. Nicknamed Dolph after square-jawed action movie star Dolph Lundgren. Moved to Worcester in 2007 and starred in the English premiership.
Leana de Bruin
Sport: Netball.
Rating: B-plus.
The story: Followed the path blazed by countrywoman van Dyk, and can be excused for not making quite the same impact. De Bruin (nee du Plooy), a towering defender, had 34 caps for South Africa when she moved to New Zealand to play for the Southern Sting and then the Capital Shakers. Has since racked up more than 50 caps for the Silver Ferns, and was this year named joint ANZ Championship most valuable player with the Steel.
Precious McKenzie
Sport: Weightlifting.
Rating: A.
The story: The tiny (1.45m) weightlifter left his native South Africa because of the apartheid regime and won three consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medals for England. Then settled in New Zealand, and won another gold at the 1978 Edmonton Games. Now works as a back injury specialist in Auckland and is still lifting weights.
Grant Elliott
Sport: Cricket
Rating: C.
The story: Left his native Johannesburg in 2001 and settled in Wellington. Was something of a surprise Black Caps selection after completing his residency, but compiled a useful record through 37 one-day internationals, including a century against Australia. Made minimal impact in his five tests and is unlikely to play for New Zealand again.
BJ Watling
Sport: Cricket.
Rating: C.
The story: Spent his early years in Durban and moved to New Zealand when he was 10. Was the 327th opening batsman tried by the Black Caps in a 10-year period, and made 60 not out in his debut test. Has struggled since but is still on the radar.
Andrew Mehrtens
Sport: Rugby.
Rating: A.
The story: Yes, the great Mehrts must feature on this list. His talent and his achievements have been somewhat left in the dust in recent years by the prolific Carter kid. But Mehrtens was a fair player. He was an accomplished kicker, a composed playmaker and a dazzling runner. And why is he on this list? Born in Durban. He was the first (Rawlinson is the only other one to date) South African-born All Black.
Eben Joubert
Sport: Rugby.
Rating: B-plus.
The story: Everyone's favourite Otago Bok. Or at least, he's tied with Neil Wagner. Joubert came to Dunedin three years ago after playing for the Blue Bulls and the University of Pretoria. Joined the Harbour club and was then selected for Otago. Captained the side this season.
Justin Swart
Sport: Rugby.
Rating: B-minus.
The story: The 10-test Springbok outside back played in Dunedin in 2000, and got the full Otago experience when he was part of a team that NEARLY won the Ranfurly Shield. Played Super rugby for the Sharks, and was last seen working in a junior coaching role for Western Province.
