Will Pieter-Steph du Toit break the Springbok centurion curse against the All Blacks?

Pieter-Steph du Toit has the opportunity to make Springbok history in more ways than one when South Africa face New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, 29 August.

The veteran forward will earn his 100th Test cap at the Cape Town Stadium, becoming only the 11th Springbok to reach the prestigious milestone.

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But beyond the personal achievement lies another intriguing piece of history: No Springbok centurion has beaten the All Blacks in his 100th Test.

Du Toit can change that on Saturday.

The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has already established himself among South Africa’s greatest players, but victory over New Zealand on his milestone appearance would add another unique achievement to his remarkable international career.

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To date, four of South Africa’s 10 Springbok Test centurions have faced the All Blacks in their 100th Test – and all four have walked away losers on the day.

Percy Montgomery became the first ever Springbok centurion on 16 August 2008 when he started at fullback against the All Blacks at Newlands, a stone’s throw away from his alma mater, SACS.

The Springboks lost 19-0.

John Smit was the second Springbok to play 100 Tests when he captained the side on 21 August 2010 against the All Blacks at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

The Springboks lost 29-22.

Jean de Villiers was the fifth Springbok Test centurion on 13 September 2014.

De Villiers’ 100th Test came against the All Blacks at the then Wellington Regional Stadium in Wellington, a match the Springboks lost 14-10.

Damian de Allende became the 10th and most recent Springbok centurion on 22 August 2026 against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.

The Springboks lost the match 33-16.

A chance to rewrite history

The Springboks will enter Saturday’s clash under pressure after New Zealand claimed victory in the opening Test in Johannesburg.

That makes Du Toit’s 100th appearance even more significant.

Rather than simply celebrating a personal milestone, the 34-year-old will be tasked with leading the Springboks in their attempt to level the series against their greatest rivals.

Du Toit will captain the side and is expected to line up in the loose trio alongside Jasper Wiese and, fitness permitting, Siya Kolisi.

Should Kolisi recover sufficiently to take his place, South Africa will field their most experienced starting XV ever, boasting a combined 1 012 Test caps.

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From milestone to mission

Coach Rassie Erasmus paid tribute to the veteran ahead of his landmark appearance.

“Pieter-Steph has been a pillar of strength for us on and off the field,” said Erasmus.

“It is a remarkable achievement to play 100 Test matches, and for Pieter-Steph to deliver week in and week out the way he has over the years is incredible.”

All Blacks stand in the way

New Zealand will arrive in Cape Town full of confidence after winning the first Test, and Erasmus expects another brutal encounter.

South Africa created enough opportunities in Johannesburg to potentially win the match but failed to convert several key chances.

“That was the main thing that let us down,” Erasmus said, pointing to mistakes at crucial moments.

The message for Saturday is therefore straightforward: create the opportunities, but this time finish them.

For Du Toit, the stakes are even higher.

A victory would not only help the Springboks draw level with New Zealand, but could also see him become the first Springbok centurion to defeat the All Blacks on his 100th Test appearance.

That would make an already extraordinary milestone truly historic.