Two-time World Cup-winning prop Frans Malherbe has his sights set on a significant milestone in his already illustrious Springbok career.
The unheralded Malherbe’s panda-like appearance belies one of the world’s great scrum anchors and a Bok powerhouse with an unbelievable work rate on defence.
He has been SA’s first-choice tighthead in the Rassie Erasmus era, starting in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cup finals and the last two Tests of the successful 2021 British & Irish Lions series.
Speaking to Rapport in the buildup to Saturday’s Rugby Championship title win for the Boks in Nelspruit, the 33-year-old shared his aim to reach 100 Tests in the green and gold jersey.
“It would be an incredible privilege to get to 100 Tests,” he said. “I’m definitely going to keep playing as long as I can.”
Malherbe, who debuted for South Africa in 2013, has already earned 76 caps and hopes to continue his career through the next World Cup in 2027. However, he remains grounded, stating, “There is still a lot of rugby to be played before then. I’m not looking too far ahead.”
Malherbe has spent his entire domestic career with the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province and credits SA Rugby and the franchise for keeping him in South Africa.
“The reason why I haven’t gone overseas yet is because SARU and the Stormers are watching me closely,” he explained. “Credit and thanks to SARU and the Stormers who take good care of me.”
Despite his loyalty to the Stormers, he remains open to a future abroad, adding, “I would like to experience something different at some point. Let’s see what the future holds.”
Malherbe also praised Bok loosehead Ox Nche, his current front-row partner while longtime teammate Steven Kitshoff recovers from injury.
“Ox is playing incredible rugby. I hope he can maintain the level of play for the rest of his career,” he said. He expressed his desire to see Kitshoff return soon: “I would love to have him back in the group.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
The post Frans takes his mark for 100 caps appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
