Siya Kolisi Reaches 100 Tests As Rassie Erasmus Rings Changes For France Clash

Saturday night at the Stade de France won’t just be another Springbok Test it’s a landmark moment in South African rugby. Siya Kolisi, the man who lifted two World Cups, will run out for his 100th Test match, joining an elite club of Springbok centurions. Across from him, France are waiting, hungry for revenge after their narrow 29-28 World Cup exit to the Boks in 2023.

Adding to the occasion, Rassie Erasmus the mastermind behind South Africa’s rugby renaissance will mark his 50th match as head coach, continuing a legacy that already boasts two World Cups, two Rugby Championship titles, and a British & Irish Lions series win.

A Milestone For Kolisi And Erasmus

Kolisi’s journey from Zwide to Stade de France is the stuff of South African folklore. His debut in 2013 against Scotland in Nelspruit feels like a lifetime ago. Since then, he’s evolved into the face of unity and leadership, guiding the Boks through triumphs and challenges alike.

“It’s a huge milestone for Siya, and we’re all delighted for him,” Erasmus said. “He’s a level-headed player who won’t let the occasion distract him. We’ll celebrate him after the match hopefully with a win.”

Erasmus’s own milestone is equally impressive. Saturday marks his 50th Test as head coach, with a win record of over 73%. His tactical insight has reshaped the Bok identity grounded in power, precision, and relentless belief.

Six Changes To The Starting XV

Erasmus has made six switches to the team that beat Japan, a reflection of both strategy and squad depth. Boan Venter replaces the injured Ox Nche at loosehead prop, while Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Damian Willemse all return to the starting lineup.

The only bench change sees RG Snyman move to the replacements, with Kwagga Smith sitting out due to a niggle.

The front row of Venter, Malcolm Marx, and Du Toit promises muscle and experience, while Etzebeth and Lood de Jager reunite in the engine room. The back row Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese is built for physical confrontation, the same trio that faced France in 2022.

In the backline, Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with Cheslin Kolbe shifting to wing alongside Kurt-Lee Arendse. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu takes charge at flyhalf, partnered by Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf, while Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende continue their tried-and-tested midfield pairing.

Familiar Faces Return To The Scene Of Glory

Eleven players from that unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarterfinal victory over France are in Saturday’s matchday squad, including Etzebeth, Kolisi, and Willemse.

The Stade de France holds fond memories for South Africans, having hosted some of the team’s most dramatic wins. The Boks have not lost to France in Paris since 2005, and the rivalry has only intensified since their last epic encounter.

For Les Bleus, Saturday’s clash is about redemption. French media headlines this week have centred around “revenge,” with the home crowd expected to create a cauldron-like atmosphere.

Erasmus, ever composed, brushed off the noise: “France have a quality team all around. We know how they play and what to expect. It’s about accuracy and making our chances count. It’s going to be another epic battle.”

Public Reaction And Anticipation

Fans across South Africa have flooded social media with tributes to Kolisi, calling him “the people’s captain” and “the pride of the nation.”
Former teammates and rugby icons have also chimed in, praising his leadership and humility. “From township to Test 100 Siya’s story is every South African’s dream,” one fan posted on X.

Local supporters are also eager to see how the youthful backline fares under French pressure. The inclusion of Feinberg-Mngomezulu has sparked excitement, with many calling it a “bold Erasmus masterstroke.”

Kickoff And Broadcast Details

The Springboks will face France at 10:10pm (SA time) at Stade de France. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels, available during DStv Open Time.

With 924 total Test caps in the starting XV and a century of appearances for Kolisi, this isn’t just another rugby match it’s a chapter of South African sporting history unfolding under the Parisian lights.

Springbok Record vs France:
Played: 46 | Won: 28 | Lost: 12 | Drawn: 6 | Win rate: 61%

Fun Fact: The last Springbok to reach 100 caps before Kolisi was Willie le Roux, earlier this year against Italy.

As Erasmus put it best: “We’ll celebrate Siya after the game but right now, it’s all about doing the job.”

For more rugby news and updates follow: SA Rugby Mag

{Source: SuperSport }

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