Everyone's favourite No. 9 remembered
He's been a darling of the South African rugby fraternity for decades.
Joost van der Westhuizen passed away at his home earlier today - the nation now mourns one of its biggest rugby legends.
From a young age the talent was unmistakable.
Born and bred in Pretoria, Joost was quick and strong, but tall for the scrumhalf position he eventually occupied for the Bulls and the Springboks.
His father, Gustav, fondly remembered the first time he saw his son in the Springbok jersey.
"You can't explain it to someone. I saw his first test match, but we did not really see his first Springbok game, because in those years they toured and he played on Wednesdays. I saw his first test in Buenos Aires," says his father.
Joost went on to thrill the nation in 89 games, scoring a then-record 38 tries - an unusually high amount of tries for a number nine.
He will of course also be remembered for THAT pass, which allowed Joel Stransky to score the winning drop-kick in the 1995 World Cup final.
That pass, and THAT tackle on All Black winger Jonah Lomu, assured Joost of a place among Springbok royalty.
He captained the Springboks for four years, including the 1999 World Cup, before he retired in 2003.
Fellow Blue Bull and former Bok captain Naas Botha says Joost was simply one of the best players to wear the green and gold.
Joost's 1995 teammate Kobus Wiese says his fighting spirit was the stuff of legends.
Joel Stransky says Van der Westhuizen was a formidable opponent on the field.
Life after rugby wasn't always easy for Joost and his family, but he refused to lie down and let things get the better of him.
He was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2011 and given a 20 percent chance of living up to two more years.
Ever the fighter - he ended up living seven years with the dreaded disease.
Joost van der Westhuizen is the embodiment of all that is good about Springbok rugby - tough, with heart and soul and a spirit that refused to be broken.
In the end, motor neuron disease may have gotten the better of everyone's favourite number nine, but Joost was determined to play this game - until he was done. He may be gone, but he will certainly not be forgotten.
His legacy will live on.
Rest in Peace our number nine.
Rest in peace Joost van der Westhuizen.