The most-capped Springboks: Who has played the most for South Africa

Percy Montgomery – 102 caps

In 1997, Montgomery made his Springbok debut at Kings Park against the British and Irish Lions. He went on to play for his nation for more than ten years, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Had he not played for Newport for a while in Wales, he might have been awarded more caps for the Springboks. Due to playing abroad and serving an 18-month penalty for pushing a touch judge, he was unable to participate in the 2003 World Cup. Nevertheless, Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps.

On August 30, 2008, Montgomery declared his retirement from rugby international competition following the Springboks’ 53-8 victory over Australia in the last Test of the 2008 Tri-Nations.

With 893 points, he is the all-time top scorer for the Springboks.

Springbok poacher

Jean de Villiers – 109 caps

In 1997, Montgomery made his Springbok debut at Kings Park against the British and Irish Lions. He went on to play for his nation for more than ten years, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Had he not played for Newport for a while in Wales, he might have been awarded more caps for the Springboks. Due to playing abroad and serving an 18-month penalty for pushing a touch judge, he was unable to participate in the 2003 World Cup. Nevertheless, Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps.

On August 30, 2008, Montgomery declared his retirement from rugby international competition following the Springboks’ 53-8 victory over Australia in the last Test of the 2008 Tri-Nations.

With 893 points, he is the all-time top scorer for the Springboks.

De Villiers played his 109th and final test against Samoa in Birmingham on 26 September in a Rugby World Cup pool match. He fractured his jaw during the physical contest and would retire after withdrawing from the tournament.

He captained the Springboks in 37 Test matches.

Icon and legends

John Smit – 111 Caps

In 1997, Montgomery made his Springbok debut at Kings Park against the British and Irish Lions. He went on to play for his nation for more than ten years, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Had he not played for Newport for a while in Wales, he might have been awarded more caps for the Springboks. Due to playing abroad and serving an 18-month penalty for pushing a touch judge, he was unable to participate in the 2003 World Cup. Nevertheless, Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps.

On August 30, 2008, Montgomery declared his retirement from rugby international competition following the Springboks’ 53-8 victory over Australia in the last Test of the 2008 Tri-Nations.

With 893 points, he is the all-time top scorer for the Springboks.

Beastly caps

Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira – 117 caps

In 1997, Montgomery made his Springbok debut at Kings Park against the British and Irish Lions. He went on to play for his nation for more than ten years, winning the Rugby World Cup in 2007.

Had he not played for Newport for a while in Wales, he might have been awarded more caps for the Springboks. Due to playing abroad and serving an 18-month penalty for pushing a touch judge, he was unable to participate in the 2003 World Cup. Nevertheless, Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps.

On August 30, 2008, Montgomery declared his retirement from rugby international competition following the Springboks’ 53-8 victory over Australia in the last Test of the 2008 Tri-Nations.

With 893 points, he is the all-time top scorer for the Springboks.

Current most-capped Springboks’ star

Eben Eztebeth – 119 caps

Eben Etzebeth is the only current player among those with a century of Springbok caps.

Etzebeth played his 100th Test for the Springboks against Wales in 2022 and ended that season on 110 caps.

The towering lock played his 119th Test in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

Second-most capped Springbok

Bryan Habana – 124 caps

Habana, the all-time top try-scorer for the Springboks, finished his career with 67 tries from 124 Test appearances, maintaining an incredible strike rate.

Habana, the 2007 IRB Player of the Year, is thought to be among the game’s most deadly wingers ever. Despite never having attempted a goal, he is fourth on the all-time points scoring list for the Springboks.

Habana tied the record held by the late great Jonah Lomu for the most tries in a single Rugby World Cup competition in 2007.

During a trip of Europe in November, Habana made his debut for the Springboks, making his début against England at Twickenham. In 2016, following another November international series, he hung up his boots.

Victor Matfield – 127 caps

Habana, the all-time top try-scorer for the Springboks, finished his career with 67 tries from 124 Test appearances, maintaining an incredible strike rate.

Habana, the 2007 IRB Player of the Year, is thought to be among the game’s most deadly wingers ever. Despite never having attempted a goal, he is fourth on the all-time points scoring list for the Springboks.

Habana tied the record held by the late great Jonah Lomu for the most tries in a single Rugby World Cup competition in 2007.

During a trip of Europe in November, Habana made his debut for the Springboks, making his début against England at Twickenham. In 2016, following another November international series, he hung up his boots.