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Springbok magician Willie le Roux will join a list of legendary players when he runs on to the field to face Italy in his 100th Test on Saturday.
The Stellenbosch native will become the eighth Springbok to reach the incredible milestone. Here, we take a look at the list of South Africa's elite veterans of the game.
Eben Etzebeth - 132 caps*
And counting! The Bok hardman tops the list as the most capped Springbok and is on track to (hopefully) pass the 150 mark, following the likes of Alun Wyn Jones (Wales) and Sam Whitelock (New Zealand) in reaching that milestone. Despite being 33, the double World Cup winner is still one of the first names on the team sheet.
Victor Matfield - 127
The former Bulls stalwart was the most-capped Bok for some ten years until Etzebeth finally caught up in 2024. A wizard at linneout time, Matfield patrolled the skies for much of his incredible 15-year career, which ended with a third-place medal at the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The former Bok captain's long-time lock partnership with Bakkies Botha was the stuff of legends.
Bryan Hababa - 124
Blink and you miss him. The World Cup-winning winger enjoyed an industrious career next to the touchline in the green and gold. Habana holds the record for the most tries scored in the Bok jersey, a scarcely believable 67, which may never be broken. Among a myriad of accolades is his 2007 World Player of the Year trophy.
Tendai Mtawarira - 117
The prop played his way into legendary status by working at the coalface of the front row, where he shaped himself into one of the most revered scrummagers in the world. The Beast's brutish strength won the Boks many a penalty, all to the cheers of â˜Beeeast' from the stands.
John Smit - 111
Another former captain on the list, Smit led the Boks through a golden age. After World Cup glory in France in 2007, the Boks conquered the British and Irish Lions and the Tri Nations in 2009. He holds the record for the most appearances as skipper with a whopping 83. The hooker is second and last member of the Front Row Club on this list.
Jean de Villers - 109
A long-serving South African rugby, de Villiers is the most capped centre for the Boks as he earned 94 caps in the midfield. Given his plethora of injuries throughout his career, it's amazing he managed to become a Bok centurion. No less than 37 of his caps were as captain.
Percy Montgomery - 102
It was a career of two halves for Montgomery, who earned 50 Bok caps before his move to Wales, making him ineligible for selection. But three years later, he was recalled by coach Jake White. The move proved brilliant as he kicked his way to a World Cup title and the top of the Boks' all-time points scoring list.
