Springboks' Jasper Wiese happy to face All Blacks after 'stupid' headbutt

If the other 22 Springboks on the field against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday have the same hunger as Jasper Wiese, South Africa’s chances of victory look strong.

Wiese, finally released from the suspension he incurred with a moment of madness in the second Test against Italy in July, showed a mix of remorse, emotion, and determination when he faced the media on Thursday ahead of the return Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand.

"I'm very privileged to be back in the mix this week,” said the contrite 29-year-old. “I’ve been frustrated with myself over the past few weeks for doing something so stupid,” he added, referring to the four-match ban he received for a (relatively mild) headbutt on an Italian player.

As a result, Wiese was ineligible for the matches against Georgia, both Tests against Australia, and last weekend’s game in Auckland.

"I'm hugely excited to get going again this weekend — and it’s against the All Blacks. It’s the biggest test for a South African player. So, yeah, it’s really just a massive privilege to be here.”

Earlier this week, head coach Rassie Erasmus joked that Wiese had effectively become a “professional trainer” after spending so many weeks on the practice field.

“Yeah, I’ve worked hard for a long time,” Wiese smiled. “Hopefully that has helped me go out and give my best on Saturday. I was grateful to still be training with the team — I wasn’t out of the system.”

Wiese admitted that Saturday’s Test almost feels like his debut, despite earning 36 caps since making his first appearance four years ago.

“It’s hard to describe what it means to me to run out with the guys once more — to play for them and my country.

“I’m very hungry for this match. I was disappointed in myself, but that’s behind me now. I have the opportunity to express myself and show what the jersey means to me.”

Wiese also revealed that the Springboks had taken a long, hard look at what went wrong in last weekend’s 24-17 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland.

“We had a good review of last weekend. The set-piece is a big thing we have to get right. The lineouts didn’t go well. All credit to New Zealand — they came with a plan and it worked.

“This week is about nailing our fundamentals — the forwards must get it right to lay a good foundation for our backs. Our job is to grind and graft; that’s how we express ourselves, and we must lay the platform for the backs to play some good attacking rugby.”

Wiese was also asked how it felt to watch other players — including his brother Cobus — take over in the No 8 jersey during his suspension, a position he has made his own since Duane Vermeulen’s retirement following the 2023 World Cup.

“No, the frustration was with myself, not the guys who got to play,” he said. “This team’s DNA is about working together. It’s in everyone’s interest to support and wish each other well. Nobody wants a teammate to have a bad game. Healthy competition is what makes this team special.

“You don’t play for yourself — you play for the other 14 guys on the field, the rest of the squad, and the 40 guys in the wider group.

“You have a job to do, and that job is not about ego — it’s about making the team better.”