Springbok Centurions: The Players Who Have Reached 100 Test Caps

Reaching 100 Test caps is one of the greatest individual achievements in international rugby, and only 10 players have reached the milestone for the Springboks. From Percy Montgomery becoming South Africa’s first centurion in 2008 to Damian de Allende joining the exclusive club in August 2026, these players have collectively represented the green and gold across some of the most memorable eras in Springbok history.

Eben Etzebeth – 143 caps

Eben Etzebeth is the most-capped Springbok of all time. He made his Test debut against England at Kings Park in Durban on 9 June 2012, beginning a remarkable career that has included two Rugby World Cup titles.

Etzebeth reached his 100th cap on 16 July 2022, when South Africa defeated Wales 30-14. He has since moved well beyond the century mark and currently stands on 143 Tests, extending his record as South Africa's most capped player.

Victor Matfield – 127 caps

One of the greatest locks in rugby history, Victor Matfield made his Springbok debut against Italy in Port Elizabeth on 30 June 2001.

He earned his 100th Test cap on 28 August 2010 against Australia at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Matfield eventually finished his international career with 127 Tests, holding the Springbok appearance record until Etzebeth surpassed him.

Bryan Habana – 124 caps

Bryan Habana made his Springbok debut against England at Twickenham on 20 November 2004. Coming off the bench, he scored a try with his first touch of the ball — the beginning of one of the most prolific try-scoring careers in international rugby.

Habana became the fourth Springbok to reach 100 Tests when he faced Australia in Perth on 6 September 2014. He finished his career with 124 caps and remains South Africa's leading Test try-scorer.

Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira – 117 caps

Zimbabwe-born prop Tendai Mtawarira made his Springbok debut against Wales in Pretoria on 14 June 2008. Over the next 11 years, he established himself as one of the most respected loosehead props in world rugby.

Mtawarira became the sixth Springbok to reach 100 Tests, achieving the milestone against England in Bloemfontein on 16 June 2018. He ultimately finished with 117 Test caps and was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning team.

John Smit – 111 caps

Former Springbok captain John Smit made his international debut as a replacement against Canada in East London on 10 June 2000. He went on to become one of the most influential leaders in South African rugby history.

Smit won his 100th Test cap on 23 August 2010 against New Zealand at Soccer City in Johannesburg. He finished his career with 111 Tests, including a remarkable 83 appearances as Springbok captain.

Jean de Villiers – 109 caps

Jean de Villiers made his Springbok debut against France in Marseille on 9 November 2002. Injuries interrupted the early part of his international career, but he eventually became one of South Africa's most accomplished midfielders and captains.

De Villiers reached 100 Tests against New Zealand in Wellington on 13 September 2014. He finished with 109 caps after a career that included 37 matches as Springbok captain.

Siya Kolisi – 104 caps

Siya Kolisi made his Springbok debut against Scotland at Mbombela Stadium on 15 June 2013, coming off the bench in the fifth minute and earning Man of the Match honours.

More than 12 years later, Kolisi became the ninth Springbok to reach 100 Tests, captaining South Africa against France in Paris on 8 November 2025. The Boks won 32-17, giving their inspirational captain a memorable centurion celebration.

Percy Montgomery – 102 caps

Percy Montgomery made his Springbok debut against the British & Irish Lions at Kings Park in Durban on 28 June 1997. He scored a try on debut despite South Africa losing the Test 18-15.

Montgomery became the first Springbok to reach 100 Test caps, doing so against New Zealand at Newlands in Cape Town on 16 August 2008. He eventually retired with 102 Tests and remains one of South Africa's greatest points scorers.

Willie le Roux – 100 caps

Willie le Roux made his international debut against Italy at Kings Park in Durban on 8 June 2013. His attacking instincts and ability to create opportunities made him an important part of the Springboks' backline over more than a decade.

Le Roux returned to the same opposition 12 years later to earn his 100th Test cap on 12 July 2025 at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. South Africa marked the occasion with a 45-0 victory over Italy.

Damian de Allende – 100 caps

Damian de Allende became the 10th Springbok to reach 100 Test caps when he started at inside centre against New Zealand at Ellis Park on 22 August 2026.

His journey began 12 years earlier, when he made his Springbok debut against Argentina on 16 August 2014. De Allende's 100th appearance came in one of the biggest fixtures in world rugby, although the All Blacks spoiled the occasion with a 33-16 victory.

The Next Springbok Centurion

The next player in line is Pieter-Steph du Toit, who currently has 99 Test caps. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner made his debut against Wales in 2013 and is scheduled to become the 11th Springbok to reach 100 Tests against New Zealand in Cape Town on 29 August 2026, should he take the field.

With Jesse Kriel on 91 caps, Malcolm Marx on 90 and Handré Pollard on 87, the Springboks could soon have several more members of rugby's exclusive centurion club.