South African scrum-half who played 33 Tests for the Springboks, known for his exceptional passing and vision on the field. He's a rugby legend in his home country.
Henry Honiball, the former South African professional rugby union footballer, is renowned for his exceptional skills on the field, earning him the nickname "Lem," Afrikaans for blade. With a career spanning over two decades, Honiball is best known for his time with Natal and the Sharks, as well as his impressive performance as a flyhalf and sometimes centre for the South African national team.
Honiball began his professional rugby career with Free State, but it was his move to Natal and the Sharks that catapulted him to fame. His unique playing style, which often brought looseforwards into the game quickly, made him a valuable asset to his teams. Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, Honiball's physicality and strong tackling ability made him a formidable opponent on the field.
Honiball made his debut for the Springboks in 1993 against the Wallabies in Sydney, coming on as a replacement in a 19-12 loss. However, it was his subsequent performances that cemented his place in the team. He was an integral part of Nick Mallett's legendary Springbok squad, which equalled the record of 17 consecutive Test victories. Honiball played in 14 of those victories, including the clean sweep of the 1998 Tri Nations Series, the Springboks' first-ever series victory.
Honiball's impressive statistics speak for themselves – he had a Springbok success rate of nearly 75 per cent. He also played a crucial role in the 1997 Tri Nations tournament, where South Africa mauled Australia 61-22, a record that stood for over a decade.
Honiball's expansive running game and exceptional distribution skills made him a nightmare for opponents. His ability to read the game and make tactical decisions on the fly earned him the respect of his peers and opponents alike. Honiball's partnership with Joost van der Westhuizen in the halves was particularly noteworthy, as they formed a formidable combination that drove the Springboks to numerous victories.
Despite his impressive career, Honiball's retirement was marked by controversy, particularly after the axing of captain and close friend Gary Teichmann. However, his legacy as one of South Africa's greatest flyhalves remains untouched.
Born on 1 December 1965
Honiball's remarkable career serves as a testament to his dedication, skill, and passion for the sport. As "Lem," the blade who cut through defenses, he left an indelible mark on the rugby world, inspiring generations of players to come.
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