Last week in Soweto, the Springbok loose trio of Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Siya Kolisi lined up together for the 18th time — a new Springbok record for a loose-forward combination.
They moved past the previous record held by the trio of Willem Alberts, Francois Louw and Duane Vermeulen.
No 8 Wiese, speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s fourth and final Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore, admitted he didn’t know of the record until after the match.
“It’s a massive privilege to play with guys like Siya and Pieter-Steph. I try to never take it for granted, whether I’m playing or not,” Wiese said.
“Just to be in this group is amazing. I actually didn’t know about it. We saw it after the game that we had got that record, but it’s special to have built a relationship — not just on the field but off the field with those guys as well.
“In every aspect, we truly are friends, and it just makes it so much more special to have done that together. It’s an amazing feeling, so I’m really privileged.”
Wiese has been one of the standout Springboks in the Greatest Rivalry series, and forwards coach Deon Davids believes his contribution extends far beyond his powerful performances at No 8.
Davids, who has been with the Springboks since Wiese made his Test debut against Georgia in 2021, says the 30-year-old has developed into an important leader.
“Jasper, for me, epitomises what the Springboks are about. It’s not only about what he brings on the field but also off it,” Davids said.
“I can honestly talk about how he has grown in terms of his own game, but also in terms of his ability to lead in the team and now share his experience with the youngsters coming in.
“He is a tremendous part of our team off the field in terms of what he brings as a person. Then, on the field, it’s obvious in terms of the way he plays as a No 8 — the physicality he brings with ball in hand, without the ball in defence, and in other areas of the game like the breakdown.
“He also contributes without the ball in the small areas, like the maul and in the scrum. So, it’s an honour coaching him, and he’s a massive part of the team going forward.”
Wiese was asked whether the absence of injured All Blacks captain Ardie Savea would alter the Springboks’ approach to Saturday’s showdown.
Savea, who captained New Zealand in the first three Tests of the series, has been ruled out of the Baltimore finale.
“Ardie is a massive pillar in their team and the captain who was named at the start of the series, but I don’t think our preparation changes much,” Wiese said.
“Their other loose forwards are just as experienced as he is, and they’ve played in big games as well, so I don’t think our preparation changes.
“We give our opponents as much respect as possible, and we respect every loose forward that plays there as well.
“I think in big games those guys will step up. The same respect goes whether he plays or not, for every opponent we play against.”
