Double impact: Bok brothers leave their mark against Wales
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: It’s not every day that two brothers get the opportunity to represent the Springboks – and make a massive impact in the same Test.
That was exactly what happened on Saturday as Cobus and Jasper Wiese became the 37th pair of siblings to wear the famous green and gold jersey in the Springboks’ clash against Wales at Kings Park Stadium.
The brothers both delivered high-impact performances, helping South Africa to a commanding 43-0 victory in their Nations Championship Round Three encounter.
No. 8 Jasper Wiese got the Boks off to the perfect start with a thunderous opening try in the fifth minute and was a powerhouse throughout the contest. The powerful loose forward finished with 10 carries and nine tackles in another dominant display.
Younger brother Cobus, 29, was equally influential. The lock made two line breaks, carried the ball eight times and played a key role in creating Jaco Williams’ try before leaving the field in the 47th minute.
Springbok captain Pieter-Steph du Toit described the occasion as a special one for the Wiese family.
Du Toit knows exactly what the moment meant, having previously shared the field with his own brother, Johan.
“I think it’s an unbelievable privilege because I also played with my brother in the past,” Du Toit said.
“For brothers to both play for the Springboks is a huge honour. Their parents must be extremely proud of them, and they’re proud of each other.
“They’ve worked incredibly hard to get where they are.
“Last year they could have had the opportunity to play together, but things didn’t work out. [On Saturday] it finally happened.”
The bond between the brothers was evident after they were both substituted in the second half, with Jasper embracing Cobus on the sidelines in a heartwarming moment.
The pair grew up on a farm in the Northern Cape, where they built the strength and resilience that have become trademarks of their game – not in a gym, but through years of hard work on the land.
