Siya Kolisi 'honoured' to play 100 Tests but 'Springboks come before the individual'

Siya Kolisi says that while he will be honoured to join the Springbok 100 club, what matters to him right now is “what happens between the four white lines” at the Stade de France on Saturday night (10.10pm kick-off).

South Africans have been queuing up to congratulate the greatest Springbok captain of all time, but Kolisi, true to the iconic leader that he is, has distanced himself from the hype lest it distract him and the team from the enormous challenge of beating the fired-up French.

“It is all about a critical Test,” Kolisi said on Friday. “The end goal for this tour is to remain No 1 in the world because of the World Cup draw coming up, so every game is like a knock-out game for us. We know how big the points will be if we get through this game (there are extra points because this match is between teams ranked in the top five), so we have the mindset of a playoff game.”

Kolisi hinted that it has been easier for him to deal with the excitement around his 100th because the team is in France.

“The milestone business has been chill this week; it might have been different if it were happening at home,” he said. “For me, the most important thing is what we do as a team on Saturday night. The team comes before the individual. If the team does well, then the milestone will be special, so we want to do whatever it takes to give the Springboks the best chance to win.”

When pressed on what the honour means to him, Kolisi said: “I am very proud. I am so grateful to the folk who have played a part in my life. My community in Zwide, first of all. I was helped by so many people. The foundation of who I am is thanks to the people of Zwide and the Xhosa people.

“When you do stupid stuff as a youth, they give you a smack, then take you home where you get another smack,” Kolisi smiled. “I am thankful to the teachers who believed in me at school. They played a major role. They drove me to trials because I could not afford transport.

“I just wish my grandmother (who raised him) were alive to share this with me.

“I carry all these people when I play, and also all South Africans. They expect so much from this team because they have seen what we are capable of. I take that with me as do the other 22 playing on the day and the 40 in the greater squad.”

More than anything, Kolisi said he values each Springbok jersey he pulls over his head.

“It is a huge honour to wear the green and gold jersey, I have always said that. Never mind the captaincy; it is about wearing the jersey. There have been just over 1000 Springboks, think about it. So it is a huge honour that not many people get to have. To wear it 100 times is super special.”

Turning to the match itself, Kolisi acknowledged what the French have been saying in the media about avenging the 2023 defeat.

“We have seen what has been said, but our purpose remains constant. It doesn’t change from game to game — it is always about winning for the people of South Africa. That is most important. We play for each other so that we can win for our country.”

Kolisi said the Boks know what is coming from the French.

“At the end of the day, what matters is what happens between the four lines. The game is always big for the French; they are a team that focuses on set pieces, and they have amazing backs. So do we. We are similar teams. They love their rugby.

“The physicality is going to be vital —whoever rules the breakdowns and the gain line will win.”