Percy Montgomery was the first South African to attain the 100-cap mark for the Springboks after which there was a protracted watch for the next man to attain the century membership.
But when it occurred, it occurred pretty shortly and now there are seven males who’ve performed for the Boks on greater than 100 events.
While Victor Matfield leads the method with 127 Tests behind his identify, it’s solely a matter of time earlier than he’s overtaken by Eben Etzebeth who, if not already one thing of a Bok legend, is effectively on his method to becoming one.
Moving previous John Smit
On Saturday at Ellis Park in the Rugby Championship Test towards Argentina, Etzebeth will play in his 112th Test for the Boks and go previous former captain and 2007 World Cup winner John Smit, who he’s at present tied with in fourth place with 111 Tests.
From day one – 9 June 2012 – it was clear Etzebeth was going to be a Bok nice. He debuted towards England in Durban and since then has been a mainstay in the nationwide set-up.
Former coach Heyneke Meyer in late 2012 mentioned the following about the 21-year-old lock:
“He is playing great rugby. He has shown himself against the All Blacks and Australia and he is close to being one of the best locks in the world. He is one of the enforcers in the team.”
More than 10 years on, nothing has modified.
The 31-year-old who stands 2.03m tall and ideas the scales at 117kg, is as inspirational and vital to the Bok staff now as he was again then.
Inspirational
Not solely is he one in all the first names pencilled in when the Bok bosses focus on a first-choice beginning staff, however he’s additionally a pacesetter who’s captained the Boks earlier than — most lately two weeks in the past towards the All Blacks in New Zealand.
And these round him know precisely what a giant persona he’s in the staff.
Marvin Orie, who’ll pack down alongside Etzebeth in the second row towards the Pumas on Saturday, mentioned the following: “I am incredibly inspired by a guy like Eben and what he has done for South African rugby. He is an inspirational guy for myself and many of the other players.”
With age on his facet it appears solely a matter of time earlier than Etzebeth catches up to and passes Beast Mtawarira (117 Tests), Bryan Habana (124) after which Matfield.
Top 10 most capped Boks
Victor Matfield (127)
Bryan Habana (124)
Beast Mtawarira (117)
John Smit (111)
Eben Etzebeth (111)
Jean de Villiers (109)
Percy Montgomery (102)
Joost van der Westhuizen (89)
Ruan Pienaar (88)
Schalk Burger (86)
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