The Springbok tighthead prop, Malherbe, will be playing in his 150th game for the Stormers this weekend when they face the Lions in Johannesburg in the United Rugby Championship.

The front-rower, who hails from Bredasdorp in the Western Cape, has also represented South Africa in over 80 Tests and has won the Rugby World Cup twice with the Springboks.

He played his 100th game against the Bulls at Newlands in Cape Town, while his 150th will be at another iconic stadium in South African rugby, Ellis Park.

Julian Redelinghuys played 8 Test for the Springboks from 2014 to 2016 - X

Redelinghuys, whose career was cut short when he broke his neck against the Toyota Cheetahs, is currently the Lions’ scrum coach.

Redelinghuys told OFM Sport that Malherbe has set the standard as a prop in South Africa.

“He is one of the unsung heroes of South Africa, and I can say that I had the privilege of playing with him at the Springboks,” said Redelinghuys.

“What a gentleman and probably just one of the heroes for South Africa, and like I said, he doesn’t get all the credit. It’s only recently that he’s been getting more credit – but he is such a champion of South African rugby. So it’s a great achievement.

“You ask now what does it take? I don’t know; I didn’t get it. But for him, he was just so consistent over the years.

Frans Malherbe when the Stormers won the United Rugby Championship - X

“I always say he was one of the players that I had to compete against to become a Springbok. But he was one of the guys that I really admired for his work rate and the off-the-ball stuff. Obviously, you can look at his scrums – he’s solid there – but you can also look at his off-the-ball work and how he serves his teammates. That’s what was most impressive about him to me.”

Saturday’s derby between the Lions and Stormers at Ellis Park kicks off at 14:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg