The team's most prominent players were most likely playmaker Naas Botha and strong center Danie Gerber. Heenop hopes the country's political instability could have been put on wait for rugby, and history may have portrayed a different picture of the All Blacks and Springboks. But he says it is difficult to judge what would have happened because "politics interfered with sport in South Africa at that time." Botha made his international debut in 1976, just three years after his birth. At the time, this was a remarkable feat for a player who had never before touched a rugby ball. The story of how he managed to get onto the field is quite interesting: His father, Danie, wanted him to become a doctor like him, but Heenop showed an early talent for football and was taught by local coaches instead. When he was 18, he was invited to join the Springboks' academy program. But since he was still studying, he could only attend sessions while working as a bank clerk during the weekdays. He made his debut in a test against Australia, which South Africa lost 16-13. Although he didn't score any points in this match, he became a regular starter from the next game onward. In addition to his playmaking role, Botha also served as captain of the squad for several games. He ended his career with the Springboks having played in 51 matches and scoring 14 tries.