Felix du Plessis
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24 November 1919
| Born | Felix du Plessis 24 November 1919 Steynsburg, South Africa | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 1 May 1978 (aged 58) Stilfontein | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Felix du Plessis (24 November 1919 – 1 May 1978) was a South African rugby union footballer and captain of the South Africa (Springbok) team that in 1949 beat the All Blacks thrice in succession, a feat that was not repeated by a South African side until 2009.[1] Du Plessis's son, Morné, also captained the Springboks, the only father-son duo to have done so.[2]
Du Plessis was born on 24 November 1919 in Steynsburg, in the Eastern Cape. He was the nephew of Nick du Plessis, a Springbok who toured to New Zealand in 1921 and gained 5 caps over a three-year career.[3][4]
As a 19-year-old Felix Du Plessis was selected for the first Northern Transvaal team ever, when that union was formed in 1938. His teammate and captain was Danie Craven.[3] He enlisted voluntarily during World War II.[5]
International career
Felix made his debut on 16 July 1949 for South Africa as a lock in the first test match at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town against the touring All Blacks, led by Fred Allen. He was the first ever Wanderers player to become Springbok captain.[3][6] Supported by vice-captain Cecil Moss, Du Plessis' team – which included Springbok greats Tjol Lategan, Hannes Brewis, Okey Geffin, and Hennie Muller – swept the series 3 – 0.[7] Six weeks after the last test, Morné was born.[8]
Despite his three successive test victories as captain, Du Plessis was left out of the team that faced the All Blacks in the 4th test at Port Elizabeth. He was replaced by Basil Kenyon, possibly because the player-coach's Border team had emerged unbeaten from two encounters with the New Zealanders, with a 9–0 win and a 6–6 draw.[9][10][11] Unlike Du Plessis, Kenyon would only receive this one cap.[12]
International caps
| No. | Opposition | Result (SA 1st) | Position | Tries | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  New Zealand | 15–11 | Lock | 16 July 1949 | Newlands Stadium, Cape Town | |
| 2. | New Zealand | 12–6 | Lock | 13 August 1949 | Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg | |
| 3. | New Zealand | 9–3 | Lock | 3 September 1949 | Kingsmead, Durban | |