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, his home ground for Irish club Leinster, and said it was an occasion he will always remember.
The towering lock became the second player on the November tour to achieve a big career feat, with the other being Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who played his 100th Test against France, while national coach Rassie Erasmus also steered the team in his 50th Test match as head coach in that match.
Snyman, who made his Bok debut in 2018, has had to overcome many adversities since, after suffering a string of injuries and burns in a freak accident in 2021, which ruled him out of contention for the national team, and he admitted that those situations made him doubt if he would achieve this feat.
“It was nice playing at the Aviva,” said Snyman.
“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 it’s kind of like you’re home. So, 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 was 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 throughout the week was really memorable.”
Reflecting on the Boks’ first victory in Dublin since 2012, Snyman described it as “a special win”, especially considering 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,” said Snyman.
“It was obviously interesting (how the match unfolded with a red card and several yellow cards being dished out), especially with us having been through similar situations in the last two weeks.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game that was as chaotic as that was. That said, I thought the boys handled it well, and we adapted to what was happening.”
With four wins out of four on the Castle Lager Outgoing Tour and one match remaining, against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, Snyman said it spoke volumes about the growth of the team.
“It was a big goal for us, so everything’s going according to plan at the moment,” he said.
“I’m so appreciative of the fact that the guys are so adaptable, and how they fit into and buy into the plans and just focus on each week going into the game.”