Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese are on the verge of writing another chapter in Springbok history when South Africa face New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The established loose-forward combination will make a record-breaking 18th Test start together in the No 6, 7 and 8 jerseys, surpassing the previous Springbok record held by Francois Louw, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen.
The milestone is another indication of the faith coach Rassie Erasmus has placed in a back-row combination that has developed into one of South Africa’s most familiar units.
From record chasers to record holders
Kolisi, Du Toit and Wiese equalled the previous record when they started together in the second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Now, with the series level at 1-1, they have the opportunity to claim the record outright in front of a huge Johannesburg crowd.
Louw, Alberts and Vermeulen previously set the benchmark after starting 17 Tests together. The trio was renowned for its physicality, work at the breakdown and consistency during an important period in Springbok rugby.
Kolisi, Du Toit and Wiese have now matched that longevity and will move beyond it in Soweto.
Their record is also part of a wider Springbok tradition of building combinations in the loose forwards and relying on continuity in one of the most demanding areas of the game.
A special milestone for the trio
Saturday’s match carries plenty of significance beyond the record.
Kolisi returned from injury in the second Test and immediately made his presence felt, while Du Toit celebrated his 100th Springbok appearance in Cape Town.
Wiese, meanwhile, has continued to establish himself as the preferred No 8 in the combination.
With all three starting again, Erasmus has opted for stability in the back row at a crucial stage of the rivalry.
The Springboks will need that consistency against an All Blacks side that remains capable of exploiting any weakness.
Erasmus makes changes elsewhere
While the loose trio remains intact, Erasmus has made five changes to the wider starting XV for the third Test.
Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw come into the front row as South Africa look to match New Zealand’s physical challenge up front.
Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit and Deon Fourie provide cover from the bench.
There is also a change at the back. Kurt-Lee Arendse returns on the wing, while Cheslin Kolbe moves to fullback.
Damian Willemse and Handre Pollard are unavailable after picking up knocks, adding another layer of intrigue to the team selection.
FNB Stadium prepares for a blockbuster
The third Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series is set to be a major occasion in Soweto.
The Springboks and All Blacks arrive level at one win apiece, meaning Saturday’s clash carries significant momentum as both sides look to gain the upper hand.
The action at FNB Stadium begins earlier in the day, with the Springbok Women taking on the Black Ferns at 13:30 before the men’s Test kicks off at 17:10.
The rivalry will then continue in Baltimore on 12 September, when the teams meet again in the fourth Test.
For Kolisi, Du Toit and Wiese, however, the immediate objective is even more historic.
They are not simply preparing for another battle against the All Blacks — they are preparing to become the most frequently selected Springbok loose trio in Test history.
And in front of a packed FNB Stadium, there could hardly be a bigger stage on which to break the record.
