Percy Montgomery won't talk about it. The approaching milestone of 100 caps for the Springboks has captivated the country, but for the man itself, it's all about 96.
"I was lucky enough to get my 95th cap against Wales," smiles Montgomery. "So now it's all about 96. I'm not looking further than that, I don't want to jinx it!"
The most capped Bok in the country came off the bench during Saturday's 43-17 victory over Wales, and slotted in seamlessly at outside centre, scoring a fine try. It was a testament to the player's adaptability, and to his now indisputable pedigree.
"I actually enjoyed the run at 13.! It was a different feeling sitting on the bench, but I'll always do whatever the coach asks of me. My goal is to win back the No 15 jersey, but of course in Conrad Jantjes I have formidable opposition. He has been in outstanding form in the Vodacom Super 14 and he had a great game on Saturday."
Since arriving back from Perpignan, Montgomery has added as much off the field as he has on it. He commands unrivalled respect throughout the Bok squad, and has embraced the new philosophy of Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.
"It's been a very exciting few weeks. Peter has a lot of ideas and I've really enjoyed working with him so far. The game plan we're working on is designed to exploit the ELVs, and that's been a new challenge.
Montgomery has played 95 tests for the Boks. He has scored 878 points, including 25 tries, 150 conversions, 145 penalties and six drop goals.
