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Johann "Joe" van Niekerk (born 14 May 1980 in Port Elizabeth) is a South African rugby player, who generally plays either as a flanker or Number 8.
After starring for the South Africa Schools, under-19, and under-21 sides, and captaining at all three levels, he received the rare honor of being called up to the Springboks directly from the U21 side in 2001, before ever playing a game in the Currie Cup or Super 12.
Van Niekerk has had injury troubles throughout his senior-level career; however, when healthy, he is generally considered to be one of the world's top back-row players. He scored important tries for the Boks in home wins over the Wallabies of Australia in the 2002 and 2004 Tri Nations.
He currently plays for the Stormers in the Super 12 and Western Province in the Currie Cup.
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