Superstar Cheslin Kolbe staying grounded after sparkling 50th-cap performance

Making the occasion - a 45-21 victory in the first round of the new Nations Championship - even more memorable, Kolbe scored a try and slotted five conversions to contribute 15 points to the Boks' tally as they secured their first Test victory of the season.

Commenting on the milestone, Kolbe said: "First and foremost, I'd like to thank God for all the blessings and the opportunity to be on the field, and I'm thankful to my parents for the sacrifices they made when I was a young kid.

"I'm also happy that my wife and kids were in the stadium to be there for this occasion.

"It shows the impact of the coaches and players who believed in me and everything they did to make this possible."

The former Blitzbok speedster, who made his Test debut eight years ago under current Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, also thanked the coaching staff and his team-mates for their support.

"I'd like to thank coach Rassie and Jacques (Nienaber, former Springbok head coach), as well as the SA Rugby management, for the first opportunity I got back in 2018," said Kolbe.

"Before that, I actually thought my career was going in a different direction, but since joining the team and being involved until now, has been incredible. This Springbok culture is amazing."

Kolbe may have nerves of steel on the field, but he admitted that he felt pressure going into the match this week, while he also admitted that he wanted to keep improving as he continues to build on his Springbok dream.

"There were nerves, but my team-mates kept me calm, especially the experienced guys, as well as the coaches who put so much trust in the players," he said.

"I'm extremely grateful for this opportunity. From the first time I donned the green and gold jersey until earning my 50th cap, it's been a childhood dream, and an absolute privilege to represent the country.

"Personally, I just want to keep performing and retain that fire burning within me, and also to keep improving my game and contributing to the team.

"We have a great group of players and management, and I'm thankful to everyone I've been working with and who has supported me in my career thus far, and hopefully there will be a lot more."

The Springboks will have a recovery day on Sunday and will resume their on-field preparations for their next Test against Scotland at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria next Saturday.