Pieter-Steph du Toit became the 11th Springbok centurion in Saturday's second Test of the Greatest Rivalry series at DHL Stadium in Cape Town — and in doing so broke a grim milestone pattern that had haunted South African rugby.
Four previous Springbok centurions had faced the All Blacks in their 100th Test, and all four had lost. Du Toit ensured a different outcome, with the Springboks winning to level the series after their defeat in the first Test.
"Growing up here in Cape Town and being able to play at Newlands back then and now at Green Point, it's a huge honour and privilege," Du Toit said after the match. "You couldn't have scripted anything better. So, I'm just very grateful for how things played out, and we got the win."
The 34-year-old was characteristically effective throughout, completing 16 tackles and contributing with ball in hand. When Kolisi was replaced in the second half, Du Toit assumed the captaincy as the Boks closed out the win.
The victory also means South Africa have avoided back-to-back Test defeats for the first time since 2022.
"We're never prepared to lose a Test match," Du Toit said. "As South Africans, we know when our back is against the wall, there's only one way forward, and that's to go forward fast."
Du Toit made his Test debut against Wales in Cardiff in 2013. His path to a century of caps includes two World Cup winners' medals, two World Rugby Player of the Year awards, and a career-threatening knee injury before the 2019 tournament that required a hamstring graft donated by his father.
The series decider takes place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg next Saturday.