Jansen passed away of a suspected heart attack during a church service in Namibia on Sunday morning.

Jansen earned only 10 Test caps, but his name remains firmly etched in Springbok history thanks largely to one unforgettable moment.

For some players, careers are remembered through a collection of achievements. For Jansen, it was one tackle that helped define his legacy.

Joggie Jansen with his famous tackle on Wayne Cottrell - Gallo

Born Joachim Scholtz Jansen in Griekwastad on 5 February 1948, Jansen developed into a tough and dependable inside centre during one of the most demanding eras of international rugby.

He attended Hoërskool Griekwastad alongside his brother Eben. The pair remain the only two Springboks produced by the Northern Cape school.

Jansen made his Test debut against New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on 25 July 1970. It was a daunting introduction, with the All Blacks regarded as one of the strongest teams in world rugby.

However, the newcomer wasted no time making his presence felt.

With the match finely balanced, New Zealand launched an attack when All Black Wayne Cottrell received the ball on the blind side.

Jansen reacted immediately, producing a perfectly timed tackle that stopped Cottrell and disrupted the All Blacks' momentum.

It proved to be a pivotal moment as South Africa seized control and went on to secure an impressive 17-6 victory.

That tackle quickly became synonymous with Jansen and established his reputation as a formidable defender.

But there was far more to his game than simply putting opponents into the turf.

Jansen was a skilful and dependable centre who could contribute in both attack and defence.

He scored his only Test try in his second appearance for South Africa, against New Zealand at Newlands on 8 August 1970. Although the Springboks suffered a narrow 9-8 defeat, they responded strongly to win the third and fourth Tests.

South Africa claimed a 14-3 victory in Port Elizabeth before producing a dramatic 20-17 triumph at Ellis Park.

Jansen was also part of the Springbok touring squad to Australia in 1971 and started all three Tests against the Wallabies.

The Springboks completed a clean sweep, winning 19-11 in Sydney, 14-6 in Brisbane and 18-6 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He also featured in the two-Test series against France that year. South Africa won 22-9 in Bloemfontein before the second match in Durban ended in an 8-8 draw.

Jansen's final Test appearance came against England at Ellis Park on 3 June 1972. South Africa lost 18-9, bringing the curtain down on a career that produced 10 caps and one try.

Although his international career lasted just two years, Jansen made a lasting impression during a golden period of South African rugby.

He was later ranked 82nd in the South African Rugby Top 100, recognition of his contribution to the game.

Ultimately, Jansen's legacy goes beyond statistics. Some players are remembered for scoring decisive tries or kicking winning goals. Joggie Jansen became a Springbok legend by making a tackle at precisely the right moment – and proving that he was far more than simply a hard man in defence.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport