At today’s kick-off in the match between the Springboks and All Blacks in the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry series, the Boks set a record as the most experienced South African side ever to run out.

The South African side hold 1 012 Test caps on matchday 23, of which 584 are in the forwards and 428 in the backline, with a further 204 on the bench.

This equals an average cap count of 73 in the forwards, 61 in the backline and 26 amongst the replacements.

Eben Etzebeth contributes a substantial total of 144 caps to that amount, whilst Siya Kolisi is playing in his 105th Test in green and gold.

Two further Springbok milestones to remember are flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit running out for his 100th Test and prop Ox Nche for his 50th Test. Du Toit will become the eleventh player in Springbok history to earn 100 Test caps.

Coach Rassie Erasmus earlier said Du Toit and Nche “have been pillars of strength for us on and off the field, and they both deserve these accolades”.

Squad rotation strategy

On Friday, Kolisi praised teammates Du Toit and Nche, but also gave credit to the coaching staff for their role in making it possible.

“Over the past few years, they have used more than 50 players in rotation, and people don’t always understand that, but we do. They explain the plan to us, and we understand it.

“Some guys are older than others, and playing someone week in and week out isn’t going to help with longevity. As players, we want to play every game, but when the coaches come up with a plan, we know the reasons.

“That said, experience means nothing if you don’t learn from the mistakes you made the week before.”

Later today, the Springboks play in the second Test in the Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks knowing that they need to win to square the series 1-1.

If the Springboks do not win, New Zealand cannot lose the four-Test series, and the best the Boks can do in the two remaining Tests after Cape Town is to draw the series 2-2.

For the All Blacks, minimal changes were made from the side that won the first Test 33-16 in Johannesburg last weekend.

• Kick-off is at 17:10 at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.