From debut to double world champion: Siya Kolisi’s top five Bok Tests

Every great leader is forged in big moments — and Siya Kolisi has had plenty in the Springbok jersey. From a dream debut in Mbombela to two World Cup triumphs and unforgettable battles against the top rugby nations in the world.

The Bok captain’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary as he approaches his 100th Test cap on Saturday against France at the Stade de France in Paris.

Ahead of the duel, we take a look at five crucial Test matches the skipper has played in and how it has guided him to his century.

Test debut vs Scotland (15 June 2013, Mbombela)

Kolisi’s Springbok journey began in dramatic fashion. Coming off the bench just five minutes into the game after an early injury to Arno Botha, he delivered a Player of the Match performance in a 30–17 win.

It was a dream debut in which he showed an excellent work rate, his physicality and level-headedness as a youngster to help turn the game on its head. It announced his arrival on the international stage. Despite that performance, he only made the replacement bench the following week.

First Test as captain vs England (9 June 2018, Ellis Park)

This was a historic day for South African rugby. Kolisi became the first black player to captain the Springboks in a Test match — and led them to a thrilling 42–39 victory in front of a jubilant Johannesburg crowd.

The win marked the start of a new era for the Boks under head coach Rassie Erasmus and the leadership of Kolisi. The team went on to clinch the series against the English as the Erasmus-Kolisi partnership started with success.

Rugby World Cup Final vs England (2 November 2019, Yokohama)

Kolisi’s 50th Test was one for the ages. He captained the Boks to a commanding 32–12 win over England in the World Cup final, becoming the first black captain to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.

It was a moment that inspired millions of people in South Africa and transcended sport. Keeping the team together in a World Cup, after some turbulent seasons, was special and leading the side out in the final would’ve been as close to his debut and first Test as captain.

British & Irish Lions Series decider (7 August 2021, Cape Town)

Arguably one of the toughest series’ the Springboks have played behind closed doors and not being able to lean on their fanatic supporters in Cape Town during Covid-19.

Kolisi led the team during a global pandemic and guided the Boks to a hard-fought 2–1 series victory over the British & Irish Lions at the DHL Stadium. His calm leadership and fierce determination were key as South Africa triumphed in a series that tested mind, body and spirit.

Rugby World Cup Final vs New Zealand (28 October 2023, Paris)

In arguably the most intense finals in the history of the tournament, Kolisi’s Boks edged the All Blacks by a single point to claim back-to-back World Cup titles.

It cemented his place among the game’s greatest captains — becoming only the second skipper to lift the Webb Ellis Cup twice. His miraculous recovery from a serious knee injury ahead of the tournament to lead the side against their arch-rivals in the final was inspirational.