Andre Venter will become only the third player in Springbok history to play 50 Tests for his country on Saturday. And instead of a bigger match fee, the only thing that would make the tough as teak flanker happy is a win against the Wallabies in their Tri-Nations clash at Stadium Australia.
He says he doesn't want to make predictions, but still believes anyone who thinks a home team win is a foregone conclusion must think again. "We will get to the top again. The South African will to win is always there. We are in a slump at the moment, but we want to win - desperately want to win."
Venter, who made his debut in 1996 against New Zealand in Durban, has witnessed the disasters and triumphs of Springbok rugby from "up close and personal".
In 1997, South Africa lost five of six Tests before turning the corner with a record 61-22 victory over the Wallabies in Pretoria. For the next 15 months the Springboks were untouchable winning the next 16 Tests.
Venter only missed one of those Tests through suspension. Last year the Springboks lost their first three Tri-Nations games and were with their backs against the wall when they took on the Wallabies in Cape Town in their last game of the series.
The Boks grinded out a 10-9 win against all odds. That's why one can understand Venter's optimistic demeanour when he speaks about Saturday's crunch game.
"We've been in tight situations like this once or twice before in my time with the Boks, and that's when your character is going to shine through. We've just got to stand together.
"You don't want to make predictions, but I'm very positive about Saturday's game. You are being measured every Saturday you go onto the field and you are only as good as your last game. If we go out on Saturday and win, we will be seen in a totally different light."
He said he would treat his 50th game in the coveted green and gold jumper as if it's his first. "It's just an honour for me to play my 50th Test, although it's a bit difficult at the moment.
"We are, however, very confident and we'll definitely give it our best shot and try to make it a special day - not only for myself, but for the whole team and the whole of South Africa."
The 29-year-old Free Stater said he is aware of the responsibility resting on himself and Mark Andrews, two members of the 50-Test club in the starting line-up. "We are the players with more experience, but if you play for an international side everybody has a job to do."
Reverting back to his favourite flank position after playing a barnstorming game at lock last week doesn't bother the big man. "In the end, it doesn't really matter. I'll play lock any time if it's for the benefit of the team. At the moment we have a problem with injuries and I'm needed at flank, so I play where the coach selects me."
Venter reckons if the Boks make the most of their opportunities on Saturday, there is no reason why they should not leave Stadium Australia victorious.
"We do a lot of good things on the field, but we don't always use all our opportunities. We'll just have to brush up on that."