Five Boks are nearing the century mark and could reach it in the next two years.
Inspirational Springbok captain Siya Kolisi became the ninth South African Test centurion over the past weekend when he led his team out onto the Stade de France pitch, and celebrated at the end after a superb 32-17 win over France in Paris.
He joined an incredible group of Springbok legends, headed by Eben Etzebeth with 139 caps and who will likely be targeting the exclusive 150-cap club in world rugby that only features Wales and British and Irish Lions legend Alun-Wyn Jones (170), All Blacks legend Sam Whitelock (153) and Wallabies legend James Slipper (151).
On the Bok front, Etzebeth is joined in the 100-club by Victor Matfield (127), Bryan Habana (124), Tendai Mtawarira (117), John Smit (111), Jean de Villers (109), Percy Montgomery (102), Willie le Roux (101) and Kolisi on 100 and counting.
Over the next few years the Boks are, however, expected to welcome a slew of players to the 100- club, and see that number swell considerably.
The next two players who will be jostling to follow Kolisi to the milestone are Damian de Allende (95 caps) and Pieter-Steph du Toit (94), and unless injury delays them, they should reach the mark next year.
Marx and Kriel
Malcolm Marx (86) and Jesse Kriel (86) could also reach the mark next year depending on the number of games they play, but it is more likely to happen in 2027.
Although Handré Pollard (84) has taken a back seat to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Manie Libbok recently, having not played since the Boks’ loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park earlier this year, at 31 he still has plenty of time to reach 100.
Players who are in danger of missing out, as they are seemingly being phased out of the Bok fold include Franco Mostert (82) and Bongi Mbonambi (81), who are both 34 now and well into the twilight of their international careers.
Another unlucky player is 34-year-old Frans Malherbe (76), as injury seems to have scuppered his chance, with him not having played for the Boks since the Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in Mbombela last year.
