Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx Approach 100 Springbok Caps
South African rugby veterans Kriel and Marx are nearing their historic 100th international appearances.
1Approaching the Century Mark
Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx have both reached 95 caps for the South African national rugby team. The duo achieved this milestone following their recent appearance against Italy on 7 November. They are now poised to join the exclusive Springbok centurions club, which currently includes only eleven players in history.
2Recent Performance and Milestones
During the 66-7 victory over Italy in the Nations Championship, Malcolm Marx scored two tries, reinforcing his status as South Africa's leading forward try-scorer. Jesse Kriel maintained a strong presence in both offensive and defensive phases throughout the match. Their combined efforts were instrumental in securing the dominant win for the team.
3Upcoming Match Schedule
The Springboks have three remaining matches in the current Nations Championship schedule. They are set to face France in Paris on 13 November and Ireland on 21 November. The competition concludes with a finals weekend held at Twickenham in London, running from 29 November to 29 November, potentially adding three caps.
4Path to 100 Appearances
If Kriel and Marx participate in all three remaining matches this year, they will reach 98 caps. The timeline for their 100th appearance depends on the 2027 international window and the Rugby World Cup. They could hit the milestone before the tournament starts or during the pool stages in October 2027.
5Historical Context of Centurions
Percy Montgomery became the first Springbok centurion in 2008, setting a precedent for future players. Since then, legends like Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, and Siya Kolisi have joined the list. Most recently, Pieter-Steph du Toit became the 11th player to reach 100 caps during a match against the All Blacks in August.
6Other Players Nearing Milestones
Beyond Kriel and Marx, other South African players are also closing in on the 100-cap threshold. Handre Pollard currently holds 88 caps, while Franco Mostert has 86. Additionally, Bongi Mbonambi is approaching the mark with 82 appearances. These players remain key contributors to the squad's depth as they continue their international careers.
7Tournament Logistics and Planning
The 2027 Rugby World Cup schedule includes pool matches against Italy, Georgia, and Romania between 1 and 17 October. The tournament final is slated for 13 November in Sydney. If Kriel and Marx do not reach their 100th cap before the tournament, these high-stakes matches provide the likely stage for their achievement.
8Significance of the Achievement
Reaching 100 caps represents a rare level of longevity and consistency in professional rugby. By joining the ranks of the 12th and 13th centurions, Kriel and Marx will solidify their legacies within South African sports history. Their continued selection by Rassie Erasmus highlights their ongoing value to the current Springbok tactical setup.
Original article: The South African — Jesse Kriel and Malcolm Marx Approach 100 Springbok Caps