Monty closing in on 100 caps

Almost there: Monty is just five caps away from 100

Whether or not he wants to talk about it South Africa full-back Percy Montgomery is rapidly approaching an illustrious club - the 100 Test caps club.

With 95 caps to date, and 96 set to come against Wales this weekend, it seems a certainty that Montgomery will reach the milestone during the Tri-Nations.

That said the man who started life as a centre was not getting too far ahead of himself, taking it one cap at a time.

"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!"

Montgomery is South Africa's most capped player, and on Saturday it seemed as if his career had come full circle on him.

Having made his debut against the British and Irish Lions in the number thirteen jersey - scoring a try in the process - Monty came off the bench against Wales and slotted in at outside centre, again scoring a try to cap a fine cameo appearance.

"I actually enjoyed the run at thirteen," he said.

"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 number fifteen jersey, but of course in Conrad Jantjes I have formidable opposition.

"He has been in outstanding form in the 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," he added.

"The game plan we're working on is designed to exploit the ELVs, and that's been a new challenge.

"I'm really looking forward to the ELVs. They'll be introduced in the Tri-Nations, so needless to say I've been working hard on my fitness. Watching a few of the games from the Super 14 has reinforced that it's really not an old man's game!"

Montgomery will jet back to France after the second Test against Wales to appear in the French Top 14 semi-finals.

Depending on the result, it could be his last outing for the French outfit. He has recently re-signed for Western Province, and will be available for their Currie Cup campaign.

"It's a bit of a fairytale really, getting the chance to finish my career at the province where it all started," he added.

"I'm really excited to be going back, and my family is as well. My son Nicholas in particular, because he'll be starting at SACS, my former school.

"For now, though, it's all about the Boks. I'm loving my rugby and just taking it game by game. It's a cliché, but it's worked for me so far."