As Springbok captain Siya Kolisi reaches another remarkable milestone this weekend when he runs out for his 100th Test for South Africa, true to his character, the double World Cup-winning skipper insists that the team’s performance matters more than his personal achievement.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus earlier cautioned against placing too much emphasis on individual milestones, fearing it could distract from the team’s focus – a sentiment Kolisi shares.
“It’s been very chill. If we were at home, it would be different,” Kolisi said ahead of Saturday’s clash.
“For me, the most important thing is what we do as a team tomorrow. If the team does well, then the match will be special anyway, so we want to give ourselves the best chance to win. My kids are here and some of the people who have supported me through the years, so that already means a lot.”
The Springboks have earned a reputation for thriving under pressure, particularly in knockout rugby, turning it into an art form. Asked whether Saturday’s fixture feels like one of those must-win encounters, Kolisi’s response was emphatic.
“We know the end goal is ending number one in the world this year. Every game for us is a knockout game. We’re going in with that mindset and we’re looking forward to it.”
France will be bolstered by the return of Romain N’tamack, replacing Matthieu Jalibert at fly-half – a change that has not gone unnoticed by the Springbok camp.
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick acknowledged the threat posed by the French backline, particularly their speed and attacking flair.
“N’tamack is a world-class player. They missed him in 2023,” Stick said.
“If you look at the players around him – Thomas Ramos at fullback, Damian Penaud and Bielle-Biarrey on the wings – they’re very dangerous. If you give them time and space, they will punish you.”
“The French will try to keep the ball in play and play at a high tempo. For us to win, we have to be at our best. If we weren’t at our best in the World Cup game, they could have put 40 points on us, but we pitched up for that game. You need the right squad to handle this game. It will be tough in front of their home crowd, but we’ll keep doing our best to make our people proud back home,” Stick exclaimed further.
For Kolisi, the journey to a century of Test caps has been defined by immense gratitude and tremendous perseverance. Reflecting on his path, he paid tribute to those who guided him along the way.
“I’m proud and honoured. I’m grateful to everyone who has been a part of my life. My community and the people of Zwide parented me. My teachers believed in me – they drove me to training and trials and even paid for my schooling,” he said.
While reflecting, Kolisi added, “Rassie gave me my first contract, coach Heyneke Meyer gave me my first game, coach Alastair Coetzee backed me and gave me my first start, and Jacques Nienaber as well. All my club coaches – I’ve taken lessons from every one of them. Many could have given up on me, but they stuck with me and kept backing me. Eventually, I learned my lessons, put my head down, and started working. I carry all these people with me when I play.”
Casting his mind to what makes this Test so different from any other, Kolisi said, “It’s a Test match we need to win to stay number one and to help us get a good pool for the next World Cup,” he said.
“We’ve seen what’s been said in the media, but our purpose is constant – to win for the people of South Africa, to represent our country, and to play for each other.
“It’s going to be about big packs and set-piece battles. If your scrum and lineout dominate, that’s huge. They have amazing backs – but so do we. Physicality will be key. There are so many similarities between us and the French. Both nations are passionate, proud, and love their rugby – and their meat too.”
As Kolisi leads the Boks into another monumental contest, his message remains clear – the milestone is meaningful, but victory for South Africa means everything.
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