Last weekend PE fans made it clear that flyhalf Morne Steyn needed to go back to rugby school. But let's not forget that school rugby is where he came from in the first place. In fact, most of the Boks' careers were forged in that crucible of under-18 rugby, Craven Week.

The annual tournament, named for all-round rugby legend Danie Craven, is well known as a breeding ground for future Springboks. Provincial scouts flock to the under-18 matches to pick (and poach!) the most promising young players, who they then send out into the world of professional rugby.

As a result, Craven Week has launched the careers of many a big league players, and some have even gone on to achieve the ultimate honour of wearing the green and gold.

Legendary goal-kicker Naas Botha, 1995 World Cup winner Mark Andrews and his captain, international Rugby Hall of Fame inductee Francois Pienaar, as well as South African try record holder Tonderai Chavhanga all owe their careers to Craven Week.

And in the recently concluded England tour, in which the Springboks managed to win by 2-0, an overwhelming 20 out of the 32 squad members had played for the u18 schoolboy tournament.

Springboks who played in u18 Craven Week

• Keegan Daniel Border      2003
• Jean de Villiers  WP Academy  1999
• Bismarck du Plessis Free State 2001-02
• Jannie du Plessis Free State 2000
• Dean Greyling Blue Bulls 2004
• Elton Jantjies Golden Lions 2008
• Ryan Kankowski  Eastern Province  2003
• Zane Kirchner SWD 2002
• Patrick Lambie KwaZulu-Natal  2007-2008
• Tendai Mtawarira Zimbabwe 2002-03
• Lwazi Mvovo Border  2004
• Wynand Olivier Blue Bulls 2000
• Ruan Pienaar  Free State 2002
• JP Pietersen  Pumas  2003-2004
• Pierre Spies  Blue Bulls 2002-03
• Frans Steyn  Free State 2004
• Morne Steyn Free State 2000-2001
• Adriaan Strauss Free State 2003
• Flip van der Merwe  Free State 2003
• Chilliboy Rallepele Blue Bulls 2002-03

Keep an eye on www.supersport.com for all the Craven Week action kicking off in July!