Under the bright lights of the Stade de France, Siya Kolisi will run out for his 100th Test, a century of collisions, courage, and green-and-gold pride.
But for the Springbok captain, Saturday’s clash against France isn’t about him. It’s about the badge, the brotherhood, and the battle that lies ahead.
“It’s been a relaxed week,” Kolisi said calmly before the match.
“If we were at home, I think it would have been a little different. Obviously, I feel the occasion within the team, but the most important thing for me is what we do as a team tomorrow.”
The Bok skipper’s milestone coincides with another landmark coach Rassie Erasmus’s 50th Test in charge. Yet Kolisi insists sentiment won’t cloud his focus.
“I’ve been fortunate to have my children here and people who’ve supported me over the years, so it’s special,” he admitted.
“But the team comes before the individual in our setup. If the group does well, the milestone will be special anyway.”
From Zwide to the World
Kolisi’s road to 100 Tests has been as rugged as a muddy ruck. From the dusty streets of Zwide to the captain’s armband, his journey has been built on grit and community.
“I’m very proud and honoured, and I’m grateful to everyone who’s played a part in my life,” he said.
“The foundation of who I am is from Zwide and the wider community. The people there parented me, and the teachers at school believed in me.”
Kolisi credited a long line of mentors and coaches. from Rassie Erasmus, who gave him his first contract, to Heyneke Meyer, Allister Coetzee, and Jacques Nienaber.
“I’ve taken lessons from them all,” he said.
“They could have chased me away, but they backed me.”
He added: “I carry all my teammates, from childhood to now, into each game, along with all the South Africans who expect so much from this team because they’ve seen what we are capable of.”
A French Test of Fire
If Kolisi’s milestone adds emotion, the opponent adds intensity. The last time South Africa and France met, it took one point ( 29-28 ) to separate them in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal. Kolisi expects another bruising evening.
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“This game is big. It’s like a knockout,” he said.
“We know how important the ranking points are. We want to stay the top side in the world and set up a good pool for the next World Cup draw.”
Kolisi brushed aside talk of revenge from the French side:
“We’ve seen the hurt France still carry, but our purpose is constant, to represent our people and to win for coach Rassie as he continues to build squad depth.”
The skipper knows the battle will be decided in the trenches.
“Games against France are always big because it’s two big packs facing one another,” he said.
“Physicality will be key, and winning the gain line as well as the breakdowns will decide it. The team that uses their chances best will win.”
Stick Warns: “We Must Be at Our Best”
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed Kolisi’s caution, warning that France’s flair remains a major threat.
“Romain Ntamack is the only player in their backline who didn’t play in 2023, and he’s world-class,” Stick said.
“If we give them space and time, they’ll punish us.”
Stick added: “In 2023, if we weren’t at our best, they could have scored 40 points. We know what’s coming. But we’ve got the right squad for this challenge, and we’ll do our best to make our people proud at home.”
Kolisi’s century may be written in gold, but in Paris, he’ll measure its worth in green and gold victory.
