Jasper Wiese, number eight for the Springboks, is now part of the most decorated forward trio in Springboks history alongside Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit. Last week in Soweto, the Springboks trio, consisting of Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Siya Kolisi, gathered for the eighteenth time, setting a new record for the Springboks forward combination.
This new record surpassed the previous one held by the trio of Willem Alberts, Frans Louw, and Duane Vermeulen. Number eight Wiese, speaking to the media ahead of the fourth and final match of the 'Great Rivalry' series against the All Blacks in Baltimore, admitted he only learned about the record after the game.
Wiese stated: 'It is a huge honor for me to play with guys like Siya and Pieter-Steph. I try never to take it for granted, whether I am playing or not.' He continued: 'Just being in this group is amazing. I actually didn't know about it. We saw after the game that we achieved this record, but building relationships—not just on the field but off it—with these guys is something special. In every aspect, we are truly friends, and that makes the shared achievement even more special. It's an incredible feeling, so I am very grateful.'
Wiese has established himself as one of the outstanding players for the Springboks in the 'Great Rivalry' series, and forwards coach Deon David says his contribution goes far beyond powerful performances at number eight. David, who has worked with the Springboks since Wiese's debut in a test match against Georgia in 2021, asserts that the 30-year-old player has become an important leader.
David noted: 'Jasper embodies what the Springboks are all about. It's not just what he brings on the field, but off it too.' He added that he can speak honestly about how the player has developed both in his game and in his ability to lead the team and share his experience with younger players. 'He is a huge part of our team off the field because of the person he represents. And on the field, it's obvious how he plays at number eight—the physical strength he demonstrates with the ball in hand, without the ball in defense, and in other areas of the game such as breakdown.'
The coach also emphasized that Wiese contributes without the ball, for example, in the maul and in the scrum. 'It is a great honor for me to coach him, and he is a huge part of the team's future,' said David. When asked if the absence of All Blacks captain Ardie Savea would change the Springboks' approach to the upcoming Saturday clash, he replied that he believes the preparation will not change significantly. Savea, who captained New Zealand in the first three matches of the series, will be unable to participate in the final in Baltimore. Wiese stated: 'Ardie is a huge pillar in their team and a captain who was named at the start of the series, but I don't think our preparation will change much.' He added that other All Blacks forwards possess similar experience to Savea and have participated in important matches, so he does not expect changes in preparation. 'We show maximum respect to our opponents, and we respect every forward who plays there. I think these guys will prove themselves in big games. The same respect is maintained regardless of whether he plays or not, for every opponent we play against.'