Springbok no. 1 · Full Back
Ben Duff
Benjamin Robert Duff · WP
Test career
First test
30 Jul 1891, age 23 · Full Back v Britain, Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth
Last test
5 Sep 1891, age 23 · Full Back v Britain, Newlands, Cape Town
Biography
Ben Duff holds a unique place in Springbok history as Springbok number one. In 1891 the team was listed from fullback through to the forwards, and as the fullback his name came first. Born in Swellendam on 16 October 1867 and educated at SACS in Cape Town, he played for Western Province.
Duff played fullback in all three Tests against the 1891 British Isles side, the first international matches South Africa ever played. All three were lost, but those games began the Springbok story.
He was also a capable cricketer and played a first-class match for Western Province. He died on 25 June 1943, aged 75.
Test history
3 tests · 0 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 Jul 1891 |  Britain | Crusaders (St George's Park), Port Elizabeth | Full Back | L 0–4 | WP |
| 29 Aug 1891 | Britain | Eclectic Cricket Ground, Kimberley | Full Back | L 0–3 | WP |
| 05 Sep 1891 | Britain | Newlands, Cape Town | Full Back | L 0–4 | WP |