Double Rugby World Cup winner Faf de Klerk has opened up about retirement as the Springboks prepare to face France in Paris on Friday night.
The 34-year-old scrum-half remains on the outside looking in as Rassie Erasmus prepares his side for another huge Nations Championship clash.
South Africa head into Friday's showdown following a thumping 66-7 victory over Italy, but there is still no place for De Klerk in the matchday squad.
Instead, Morne van den Berg will start at scrum-half, with fellow World Cup winner Cobus Reinach named among the replacements.
It leaves De Klerk facing another frustrating weekend as he fights to keep his international career alive.
Faf de Klerk opens up on retirement
Speaking at a Springboks training camp earlier this year, the former Sale Sharks favourite made it clear that his passion for representing South Africa had not faded.
"It's obviously an amazing feeling once again," he told Planet Rugby.
"I think that once you lose that feeling, you should rather stop."
De Klerk also explained how much work he was putting into earning another opportunity.
"Everything I try and do at my club is to prove that I'm still good enough to be here and want to be here."
His comments came after returning to the national training setup in June, having missed much of South Africa's recent international action.
Rassie Erasmus makes his decision
De Klerk's absence is particularly notable ahead of Friday's meeting with France.
Erasmus has made just two changes to the matchday 23 that hammered Italy, bringing Reinach onto the bench in place of Grant Williams.
The Springboks coach has previously explained that leaving out experienced players is part of his preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
"We are working towards the World Cup, and we want to make sure when we get there we've looked at everybody," Erasmus told Planet Rugby in June.
De Klerk's experience has not been forgotten, but competition for the famous green and gold jersey is fierce.
One final Rugby World Cup?
Despite the uncertainty, De Klerk has not abandoned hopes of appearing at a third World Cup.
Speaking to Fullview in June, he said:
"I am fully going for that spot, but if they want to go a different direction, I'll be supporting all the way."
The veteran returned to South Africa this year after signing a two-year deal with the Cheetahs, giving himself another opportunity to impress Erasmus.
Former Springboks lock Victor Matfield has also backed De Klerk's international credentials, suggesting his performances for the Cheetahs had put him close to a recall.
For now, though, De Klerk must watch from the sidelines as South Africa take on France.
With the 2027 World Cup approaching, time is running out to force his way back into Erasmus's plans.
But one thing is certain.
Faf de Klerk has not lost that feeling just yet.
