COMMENT | The people’s captain: Siya Kolisi’s 100th Bok match testament to his resilience

On Saturday night, if selected to captain South Africa, Siya Kolisi will stride onto the same patch of turf where he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a second consecutive time just over two years ago — the Stade de France.

However, this time around, it won’t be for a prestigious trophy, but the occasion itself is the prize: his 100th Test in the Springbok jersey.

It’s a milestone few achieve in their careers — he will become the ninth player in green and gold to do it — and even fewer do so with the resilience and emotional weight that Kolisi carries. His journey to the milestone over 12 years has been anything but smooth sailing, despite achieving so much with the national team.

The Bok captain has faced more scrutiny than celebration at times — criticised for his leadership, questioned over his abilities despite making successful comebacks after various injuries, and unfairly vilified by pockets of his own supporters who doubt his place in the side.

Yet, he will complete this achievement in Paris not just as the captain of South Africa’s greatest rugby generation, but arguably as one of the most inspirational leaders the international rugby community has seen.

Kolisi’s legacy isn’t measured only by his back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles — though that feat alone puts him in a class of his own. It’s also about the humanity with which he leads. He’s not the loudest or flashiest captain the Boks have had, but he’s been the one the players have followed into the fire and out the other side — every single time.

He doesn’t lead with an ego; he leads with empathy and execution. He makes those around him better, not because he demands respect, but because he earns it, on and off the field.

Injuries might have tested his body, and critics his patience at times, but nothing has dented his belief in himself and his teammates or his bond with them and the coaches.

His authenticity and ability to unify a nation fractured by race, class, and expectation make him more than just a rugby player. He’s become the embodiment of what the Springbok jersey represents — hope, resilience, and pride.

When he takes the field on Saturday, the Stade de France will once again echo with South African voices — not just in celebration of his 100th cap, but in recognition of a leader who’s turned pressure into power and judgment into joy.

While he will celebrate that milestone with his teammates, one task will be bigger than that: securing a victory. The needs of the team always come before those of the individual"

The Springboks will face a difficult French side, and if they want to come out on top to stay No 1 in the world, Kolisi’s moment must not be the main focus, but a side quest they also look to complete successfully.