Bestbier played his provincial rugby for the Free State and made his test debut for the Springboks during the Springbok tour of France, as a replacement for Robert Cockrell after 28 minutes in the second half of the second test on 30 November 1974 at Parc des Princes in Paris.[5] This second half appearance was his only test for South Africa, but he played in a further four tour matches for the Springboks during the French tour.[6]