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In the build-up to his 100th Test match for the Springboks, Siya Kolisi has been showered with praise from across the rugby world.
Kolisi will become the ninth Springbok centurion when he leads South Africa out against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday during the much-anticipated Outgoing Test match.
Incidentally, the occasion will also mark a milestone for coach Rassie Erasmus, who will guide the team in his 50th Test in charge.
Kolisi joins an exclusive club of Springbok greats — Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Beast Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth, and Willie le Roux.
Over the past 12 years with the national side, Kolisi has amassed an impressive list of achievements, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, Rugby Championship victories, and a British & Irish Lions Series win.
Erasmus: “A Huge Milestone for Siya”
Erasmus was full of praise for Kolisi, who rose through the ranks to become the first black captain of the Springboks.
“This is a huge milestone for Siya and we are all delighted for him,” Erasmus said. “He is a level-headed player, and although this will be a big occasion for him — and a match that we would like to make special for him — he is fully focused on the task at hand.
So he won’t allow that to overshadow what he must do on the field.”
Erasmus added that the team will be determined to perform well against a dangerous French outfit.
“This is a huge game, and the entire team knows how determined France will be to make up for the World Cup result. We’ll celebrate Siya’s achievement after the match — but hopefully we can make it a memorable game for him.”
Focus Shifts to France
Apart from Kolisi’s personal milestone, both sides will be intent on the rugby itself — and Erasmus expects the hosts to bring their best.
“France have a quality team all around, with good forwards and backs, and they are a side that plays for the full 80 minutes,” he cautioned. “They will also have a fanatical home crowd behind them, which will inspire them immensely.
“We are fully aware of the magnitude of this match and we know what we have to do on the field. The game against Japan certainly helped in getting some of the players back into Test-match mode, and hopefully that will set us in good stead going into this game.”
Erasmus emphasized the importance of accuracy, discipline, and endurance throughout the contest.
“The key for us is to be accurate in everything we do, make the most of the chances we create, and keep fighting from the first whistle until the final hooter. There’s no doubt it’s going to be another epic battle between the teams.”
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