By Adnaan Mohamed
Siya Kolisi is about to make history – again. On Saturday night in Paris, the Bok skipper plays his 100th Test for the Springboks, marching out under the lights like a general who’s fought every battle and still wants one more.
And fittingly, the man pulling the strings, Rassie Erasmus, hits his own half-century as Bok boss. Two rugby masterminds, one glittering stage, and a French crowd ready to make noise until sunrise.
New Faces, Same Fire
Rassie’s tinkering hands are back at work. Six changes.
- Boan Venter in for the injured Ox Nche.
- Thomas du Toit tightens the screws at prop.
- Eben Etzebeth partners Lood de Jager in the engine room – pure granite.
- Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to roam the flanks.
- Damian Willemse starts at fullback; Cheslin Kolbe shifts back to his natural wing.
- RG Snyman goes to the bench, resting his fire for later.
Behind them, it’s a mix of flair and fight with Cobus Reinach and young Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to run the show at halfback, with Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel holding the midfield fort.
Kolisi leads the bruising loose trio again. It’s the same combo that traded blows with France in Marseille two years ago.
‘The Right Team for the Right Fight’
“This is the team best suited to what we expect from France,”
says Erasmus.“They’ve been there, felt the heat, and know what’s coming from that passionate French crowd.”
And on Siya’s milestone?
“It’s massive. We’re all proud of him. He’ll stay focused on the job, but if we get it right, it’ll be a night to remember.”
Paris Will Burn (Rugby-Wise)
Les Bleus want payback for last year’s World Cup heartbreak. The French press has been singing revenge songs all week. The Boks? Calm. Cold. Calculated.
“France have class all over the park and a crowd that won’t stop,” says Erasmus.
“We have to be sharp, take our chances, and fight from first whistle to last. It’ll be brutal — and beautiful.”
Kick-off: 22:10 (SA Time)
Live on SuperSport Grandstand & Rugby channels.
Kolisi 100 — By the Numbers
| Debut | 2013 vs Scotland |
| Tests as Captain | 72 |
| World Cups | 2 |
| Total Tries | 14 |
| Coach Rassie Tests | 50 |
| Previous Centurions | 8 |
Boks vs France — Quick Stats
- Tests: 46
- SA Wins: 28
- France Wins: 12
- Draws: 6
- Last Meeting: SA 29–28 France (RWC 2023 QF)
Modern Take
Kolisi’s 100th test match is not only a remarkable milestone, but it’s a story of a kid from Zwide who against all odds turned grit into gold. Now, one more dance in Paris, and maybe, one more chapter for the legend.
