Jasper Wiese has described playing alongside Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit as a "massive privilege" after the trio broke the Springboks' record for most Test starts together as a loose forward combination. The milestone arrived during the 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium, where the threesome made their 18th appearance as a unit, eclipsing the previous benchmark set by Francois Louw, Willem Alberts and Duane Vermeulen.
"I actually didn't know about the record; we saw it after the game that the three of us broke that record," Wiese said. "It's special to have built a relationship not just on the field but off it with those guys as well. In every aspect, I feel we truly are friends, and it just makes it so much more special to have achieved that record together."
The No.8 will extend that record in Baltimore this weekend, where the Springboks require only a draw to secure their first series victory over the All Blacks since 1996. Wiese acknowledged the weight of the occasion, noting that a series triumph would rank alongside the group's World Cup, Rugby Championship and British and Irish Lions successes. "For this group it would be an amazing achievement," he said. "We take it as seriously as the other tournaments we've won as well."
All Blacks threat remains
New Zealand will be without captain Ardie Savea for the final contest, but Wiese dismissed suggestions that the absence might soften the visitors' challenge. "Obviously Ardie is a massive pillar in their team and the captain, but I don't think our preparation changes much," he said. "The other loose forwards who are there, in my experience, are as experienced as he is and have played in big games, so I don't think our preparation changes a lot. In big games those guys will also step."
Wiese, who has been a consistent presence throughout the series, admitted there had been little camaraderie on the shared charter flight from Johannesburg to Baltimore. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I don't think there was a lot of chat," he said. "I don't think it was too too friendly on that flight, but we know how much it means to them. I think they're going to come out guns blazing this weekend."
The contest in Baltimore offers the Springboks a chance to cement a historic achievement, with the loose trio's record-breaking partnership central to the campaign. Wiese's combination with Kolisi and Du Toit has provided the platform for South Africa's dominance in the tight exchanges, and the No.8's relish for the physical battle will be tested once more as New Zealand seek to salvage the series. A draw would suffice for the visitors to claim the trophy, but the All Blacks must win to force a share of the spoils.