The Springboks look back on a year defined not only by trophies, but by tenacity – the spirit to stay unbeatable through pressure, setbacks and the triumphs of life.
Amidst 2025 European Tour, three icons of the game – Makazole Mapimpi, Jesse Kriel and Aphelele Fassi – reflect on the moments that shaped their journey and what’s next.
Fassi, Mapimpi and Kriel to reflect on five defining moments of 2025 that illustrate this mindset:
- Bouncing Back in Cape Town (23 Aug):
After a shock loss at the start of the Rugby Championship, the Boks rallied to a 30-22 home win over Australia. Jesse Kriel: “The setback stung, but it fired us up. One stumble doesn’t define you – what defines you is how you reply and go again.”
- Turning the Tide in Wellington (13 Sept):
Trailing 10-7 at half-time, South Africa exploded for a 43-10 win over the All Blacks—their biggest margin ever in Wellington. Aphelele Fassi: “We stayed calm, trusted each other and turned pressure into momentum. That’s being unbeatable.”
- Back-to-Back Champions (4 Oct):
The Boks clinched consecutive Rugby Championship titles with a 29-27 win over Argentina in London. Makazole Mapimpi: “We told ourselves to play on until the final whistle. Even when it got tight, belief pulled us through.”
- Siya Kolisi’s 100th Cap & Rassie Erasmus’s 50th Test (8 Nov)
Veteran leader Siya Kolisi earned his 100th test, while coach Erasmus reached his 50th as head of the side – milestones rooted in persistence. Jesse Kriel: “Seeing Siya and Rassie hit big milestones reminded us that our leaders set the tone. They show up and put in the work, so we stay at our best.”
- The Next Generation Steps Up
Young stars like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie and Evan Roos broke through, proving the jersey demands renewal. Makazole Mapimpi: “The hunger from these guys is contagious. They push us too – every week you’ve got to earn it.”
With the European Tour still in full swing (Italy 15 Nov, Ireland 22 Nov, Wales 29 Nov), the Boks’ message remains clear: winning is one thing – but staying unbeatable means, you keep showing up when things get real.
