Springbok lock RG Snyman was still in awe of reaching the significant career milestone of earning his 50th Test cap in the team’s 24-13 victory against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.
The towering lock, his home ground for Irish club Leinster, expressed that it was an occasion he will always remember.
Snyman became the second player on the November tour to achieve a significant career milestone, following Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who played his 100th Test against France, while national coach Rassie Erasmus also led the team in his 50th Test match in that same match.
The two-time World Cup second row, who made his Bok debut in 2018, has faced numerous adversities, including a series of injuries and severe burns from a freak accident in 2021, which sidelined him from national team contention. Snyman admitted that those situations led him to doubt whether he would ever achieve this accomplishment.
“It was nice playing at the Aviva,” Snyman reflected.
“There were familiar faces on the other side of the field. It was just a special week for me, having my wife here, and feeling like it's kind of like home. I really appreciate the occasion and the game. It’s something I’ll remember forever.
“I never thought I would be here throughout those years. I thought it’s something I wouldn’t be able to achieve. So personally, it’s special. The way in which the guys handled the week and treated me was really memorable.”
Discussing the Boks’ first victory in Dublin since 2012, Snyman labeled it as “a special win,” particularly given the quality of the opposition.
“The Irish are a great team, and they’re very focused – it's also always physical against them, so I’m happy with the result,” he said.
“It was obviously interesting with a red card and multiple yellow cards being issued, especially considering we faced similar situations in the last two weeks.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been part of a game that was as chaotic as that one. However, I thought the boys handled it well, adapting to the circumstances.”
With four consecutive wins on the tour and one match remaining against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, Snyman emphasized the team's growth.
“It was a big goal for us, so everything's going according to plan,” he stated.
“I’m grateful for the adaptability of the guys, how they fit into the plans, and their focus every week heading into the matches.”
The Springboks will travel from Dublin to Cardiff on Sunday to begin preparations for their final tour match on Monday.
Should the team succeed against Wales, it will mark back-to-back years of completing their November tour unbeaten.
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