Schalk Brits: Early intensity key for Boks in Kolisi’s century Test in Paris

The Springboks must start quickly and strongly to silence France and their hurting supporters if they want to stand a chance of winning the Test in Paris on Saturday evening.

That is how World Cup winner and former Bok hooker Schalk Brits believes his former teammates, under the leadership of Siya Kolisi, can maintain their stranglehold on Les Bleus at the Stade de France (10.10pm kick-off).

Brits, who won the 2019 World Cup with Kolisi as captain, feel that if the team gets that right, they’ll have a strong chance of repeating their 2023 quarter-final victory over the hosts. Kolisi will run out for his 100th Test, while Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will guide the team in his 50th.

According to Brits, it will be crucial for the Boks to dictate play from the start.

“The French crowd will be bleak, and there are a lot of players who took that match personally,” the former hooker said ahead of the clash.

“However, you have to make it a personal game to put your body on the line. It will no doubt be a tough match, but look at what the Springboks have created with this squad and coaching team — the effort and sacrifice it took to get to where they are now.

“Players can play in multiple positions, and the team can adopt verious styles. That’s a great path to the next World Cup.”

Brits, speaking at a Laureus South Africa event alongside fellow Springboks Corné Krige and the most recent centurion, Willie le Roux, congratulated captain Siya Kolisi on reaching 100 Tests for the national team. He also wished Kolisi and the team the best for the milestone match.

Le Roux said it’s sad that he won’t be able to share the field with Kolisi in his century, despite being there for the captain’s first Test, but he’ll be cheering the team on from his couch.

“I played in his first game when he came off the bench against Scotland — and look where he is now, playing his 100th this weekend,” Le Roux said.

“He’s such a special human, and I’m glad I’ve gotten to know him through the years. We played against each other a lot, but Siya is always the same guy on and off the field. He’s a warrior.”