The merits of Percy Montgomery's contribution to South African rugby over the past decade splits Boks fans down the middle.

There is no centre ground. They either love him or hate him.

What cannot be denied, however, is that South Africa's record points scorer and most-capped star is a born survivor, and after his performances so far in this World Cup there is no doubt he deserves his place in the side. He currently tops the points charts with 93, including two tries and 22 conversions.

That includes 29 points in the victory over Samoa.

Montgomery made his international debut in 1997 and he remains his country's first-choice full-back, despite the challenge of the highly-rated Francois Steyn.

Blessed with film star looks and a mane of blond hair, Montgomery's problem is that most South African rugby fans worship the brute force of their forward pack, with the likes of the all-action Schalk Burger seen as the epitome of all that is good about the game.

It promises to be the final hurrah for Montgomery - and winning the Webb Ellis trophy would be the perfect way to end a superb career.

The perfect chance for him to prove his doubters wrong.

Factfile

  • 1992: A Schools representative before joining the Western Province under-21 team.
  • 1997: Makes his Super 12 debut for the Stormers, and scores a try on his Test debut.
  • 2003: Joins Newport-Gwent Dragons.
  • 2005: Returns to South Africa to play for Natal Sharks, scores 158 points from 12 Test matches.
  • 2007: Becomes the most capped player in South Africa's history, after winning his 90th cap against Tonga at the World Cup.