While there is a long list of players who retired after winning just one cap for the Springboks, there are still some who are still playing professionally, aiming for a lone break at international level.
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Hardworking hooker and fan favorite Skala Ntubeni first joined the Stormers over a decade ago after coming through the junior ranks with the Golden Lions.
However, since 2010, Ntubeni has been part of the Western Province rugby team, most recently making 100 appearances for the Stormers.
During this time, despite not boasting the physical attributes possessed by many other hookers in the modern era, he found the means to consistently impact the domestic scene and became a true legend in rugby circles for WP and the Stormers. established himself as one of the
Known as one of rugby's true 'nice guys', Ntubeni is also one of the most popular players off the pitch, beloved for his sense of humor and laid-back demeanor.
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Notably, Ntubeni was included in the 30-man Springboks squad for South Africa's 2013 end-of-year tour, which will take them to France, Scotland and Wales in November. However, he did not appear in any matches.
Three years later, Ntubeni was selected in the 31-man South African squad for three consecutive matches against a touring Irish team. After a few days of training with the national team, he joined the South African 'A' team and played in two consecutive matches against the touring England Saxons team, playing in a losing match.
At this point it may have seemed like the burly hooker might never realize his Springbok dreams, but in 2019 Rassie Erasmus selected him as part of a wider Boks group for the World Cup. I thought it was worthwhile to convene.
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special moment
On 17 August 2019, he came off the bench against Argentina, which the Boks ultimately won 24–18, and many celebrated Ntubeni's long-awaited Test debut.
Ntubeni, now 32, is unlikely to feature for the Springboks again, but there is no doubt he will cherish his lone Test cap.
