Eben Etzebeth became the Springbok to have tasted victory most often against Argentina in Nelspruit on Saturday.
In addition, Etzebeth broke out of a tie with Victor Matfield for the most Springbok Test caps of all time – 128.
Only seven players – out of the 944 to have worn the famed green and gold jersey – have to date reached the 100-Test milestone.
Etzebeth still has ample time on his side – considering he will only turn 33 in late October – to set a mark before he hangs up his studs that will never be broken.
Heading into the match at the Mbombela Stadium, Etzebeth, Matfield and Bryan Habana had all tasted victory on 79 occasions while wearing the famed green and gold jersey.
Etzebeth now holds that record alone.
| Victor Matfield | Eben Etzebeth | Bryan Habana | |
| Springbok # | 705 | 833 | 766 |
| Position | Lock | Lock | Wing |
| Tests played | 127 | 128 * | 124 |
| First Test | v Italy, Port Elizabeth, 2001 | v England, Durban, 2012 | v England, London, 2004 |
| Age on debut | 24 | 20 | 21 |
| Last Test | v Argentina, London, 2015 | v Argentina, Nelspruit, 2024 | v Italy, Florence, 2016 |
| Age in final Test | 38 | 32 * | 33 |
| Test points | 35 | 30 | 335 |
| Tests won | 79 | 80 | 79 |
| Tests lost | 46 | 43 | 42 |
| Tests drawn | 2 | 5 | 3 |
* Denotes still active
Below, every Springbok – past and present – to have played 80 or more Tests:
| Player | Tests | Tries |
| Eben Etzebeth * | 128 | 6 |
| Victor Matfield | 127 | 7 |
| Bryan Habana | 124 | 67 |
| Tendai Mtawarira | 117 | 2 |
| John Smit | 111 | 8 |
| Jean de Villiers | 109 | 27 |
| Percy Montgomery | 102 | 25 |
| Willie le Roux * | 97 | 15 |
| Joost van der Westhuizen | 89 | 38 |
| Siya Kolisi * | 89 | 12 |
| Ruan Pienaar | 88 | 8 |
| Schalk Burger | 86 | 16 |
| Damian de Allende * | 85 | 11 |
| Bakkies Botha | 85 | 7 |
| Pieter-Steph du Toit * | 84 | 11 |
| Steven Kitshoff * | 83 | 2 |
| Os du Randt | 80 | 5 |
How many Tests will Eben Etzebeth play before hanging up his boots?
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