Cobus Wiese cherishes Springboks opportunity alongside brother Jasper

Cobus Wiese says sharing the Springboks jersey with his brother Jasper remains one of the proudest and most meaningful moments of his rugby career.

The Bulls lock and Jasper had previously spoken about their ambition to play together for South Africa, and that opportunity finally arrived during the Nations Championship when both brothers started in the victory against Wales.

Wiese said the occasion had been especially significant for their entire family, who had watched their long-held ambition become a reality.

“Me and Jasper and I believe our whole family is immensely proud and grateful for the opportunity,” Wiese said.

The brothers’ appearance together represented more than simply another match for South Africa, with Wiese describing the experience as something they hoped to repeat whenever fitness and selection allowed.

“I think doing it once is special, but if we have the privilege, when we both stay fit and injury-free, and we can do it a few more times, that’ll be gold for us.”

He added that the achievement had left him struggling to fully express the depth of his emotions.

“As I said, immensely grateful, immensely proud to share a Springbok jersey with my brother. Actually, still a bit lost for words in terms of how proud and grateful we are.”

Wiese will be involved among the replacements when the Springboks face Argentina on Saturday, but Jasper will not feature alongside him this time.

The elder Wiese is being rested as he prepares to face the All Blacks back in South Africa. His performances for the Springboks have also seen him establish himself as the team’s preferred No 8.

Cobus said he was pleased with the progress Jasper had made in the national side, while emphasising that their support for one another remained mutual.

“I’m happy that Jasper is doing well and he is happy that I’m doing well. We’re grateful and honoured to play together.”

For Cobus, the chance to share the field with Jasper has therefore carried significance well beyond the result against Wales. Although the brothers are not both set to play against Argentina, their appearance together in the green and gold has already fulfilled an ambition they had discussed before it became possible.

The Bulls lock said the opportunity was one that both brothers, and their wider family, valued deeply. With future chances dependent on keeping fit and avoiding injury, Wiese hopes the Wales match will prove to be the first of several occasions on which he and Jasper represent the Springboks together.