Jasper Wiese is set to reach a major milestone in his Springbok career when South Africa take on Australia at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The powerful No 8 will earn his 50th Test cap, marking another significant achievement in a year that has already seen several Springboks reach landmark numbers of international appearances.
Wiese made his Test debut against Georgia at Loftus Versfeld in 2021 and has since established himself as an important member of the Springbok squad.
Vermeulen pays tribute to Wiese
Former Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen has praised Wiese ahead of his milestone appearance, highlighting the influence the forward has developed within the team.
Vermeulen described Wiese as a key figure in the Springbok pack and a player who has become increasingly important to the leadership group.
“He’s a fantastic player and real stalwart in the team,” Vermeulen said.
The former No 8 also praised Wiese’s ability to provide forward momentum and noted that there is still plenty to come from the 30-year-old.
Vermeulen knows the position well, having been one of South Africa’s most influential loose forwards during his own Test career.
Another milestone-filled season for the Springboks
Wiese is the latest in a growing list of Springboks to reach a major international milestone in 2026.
Damian de Allende and Pieter-Steph du Toit have already reached 100 Test caps, while Cheslin Kolbe and Ox Nche have joined the 50-cap club.
Eben Etzebeth will also add to his record as South Africa’s most capped player, taking his Test tally to 147 appearances.
Meanwhile, Malcolm Marx is closing in on another landmark. The 2025 World Rugby and SA Rugby Player of the Year will need just six more Test appearances after Sunday’s match to reach 100 caps.
Tough Wallabies challenge expected
While Wiese’s milestone will provide an individual highlight, the Springboks face a serious challenge against Australia.
Vermeulen expects the Wallabies to pose problems at the breakdown, while their scrum, lineout and maul will provide different tests for South Africa.
Australia are also operating under new head coach Les Kiss, adding another element of uncertainty to Sunday’s encounter.
“They will be well prepared, and we will not underestimate them,” Vermeulen said.
Springbok experience on show in Perth
The starting XV will take a combined 527 Test caps into the match.
The forwards account for 317 of those appearances, while the backline has 210 caps. The replacements add another 342 Test appearances.
Andre Esterhuizen will also become the 68th player to captain the Springboks, while Franco Mostert returns to the Test side for the first time since the November match against Wales.
South Africa have won five of their last six Tests against Australia since September 2022, with their only defeat during that run coming in Johannesburg last season.
The Springboks also have a positive recent record in Perth. Their most recent visit, in 2024, produced a 30-12 victory.
Wiese ready for another milestone
For Wiese, however, the focus will be on reaching a personal landmark in a Test match that carries plenty of significance for both teams.
From making his debut against Georgia in 2021 to becoming a regular presence in the Springbok pack, his journey to 50 caps represents another important chapter in his international career.
Can Jasper Wiese mark his 50th Test with another commanding performance against the Wallabies?
