Boks hope to make Siya Kolisi's 100th special

THE Springboks hope to make their epic clash against France memorable for Captain Siya Kolisi’s 100th cap run on Saturday. 

It is the first time the teams have met since that 29-28 victory for the Springboks, who would win the semi-final and final — also by one point— at the Stade France. It will also be the first time the sides have met since the Boks broke French hearts.

Commenting on Kolisi becoming the ninth Springbok to reach 100 Test matches, Erasmus said: “This is a huge milestone for Siya, and we are delighted for him. 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 won’t allow that to overshadow what he must do on the field.

“We know how determined France will be to make up for the World Cup result, so we’ll celebrate Siya’s achievement after the match. That said, hopefully we can make it a memorable game for him.”

With the narrative from the France camp being on retribution for what happened in 2023, Erasmus said they have to be on point on Saturday to get the desired result.

“France will have a fanatical home crowd behind them, which will inspire them immensely, so we are fully aware of the magnitude of this match, and we know what we have to do on the field.”

Erasmus, who is celebrating his 50th Test match in charge, said Kolisi’s humility is what makes him special.

“The Siya of today is the same Siya I met many years ago when he was starting at Western Province as a teenager. He is a South African who experienced tough times as a youth, and he has never forgotten that. He will always make time for fans who want a photo with him, even when he is running to catch the lift because he needs to get to a team meeting. He treats everyone with kindness — from a young kid to an old “oom”, and everyone in between.”

Cape Times