Arguably the most complete half-back in world rugby with his canny knack of sliding between numbers nine and ten complimenting a hefty repertoire of footballing skills.

Son of former Springbok full-back Gysie Pienaar, the 25-year-old was educated at the same college as Francois Steyn (Grey College) and is the subject of regular praise from coaches such as Eddie Jones, who backed him as the Springboks' long-term fly-half replacement for Butch James.

Pienaar made his international debut back in Tri-Nations 2006 against New Zealand and has become and will surely continue to be an invaluable asset for Peter de Villiers.