Rassie Erasmus Weighs Emotional Call As Siya Kolisi Nears 100th Cap

Siya Kolisi, the man who lifted two Rugby World Cups for South Africa and redefined what a Springbok captain represents, is just three Tests away from becoming a centurion. But in a twist of fate, his 100th cap is unlikely to be celebrated on home soil.

The Unscripted Road To A Milestone

Kolisi earned his 97th Test appearance in Durban this past weekend as the Boks overpowered Argentina in their final match of 2025 at home. For legends like Eben Etzebeth and Willie le Roux, the stars aligned for their centurion moments to unfold in South Africa. For Kolisi, the calendar tells a different story.

South Africa now faces six consecutive away fixtures: a Rugby Championship decider against Argentina in London, followed by a November tour that includes Japan, France, Italy, Ireland, and Wales. Unless injury reshuffles his schedule, Kolisi’s century will be reached abroad.

“It’s tough because you can’t always plan for these things,” said coach Rassie Erasmus. “If you start thinking too much about emotional milestones, you risk losing matches. Siya’s 100th will come when it comes, and we’ll celebrate it properly wherever that may be.”

The Balance Between Emotion And Strategy

For Erasmus, the challenge isn’t just about managing Kolisi’s milestone. Other senior players are closing in on their own landmarks. Damian de Allende and Pieter-Steph du Toit are on 92 caps each, while Makazole Mapimpi sits on 47 with a half-century in sight.

“Every player has their own journey,” Erasmus added. “We’re all close, but our job is to win Tests. Milestones are special, but they can’t dictate selections.”

It’s a sentiment that reflects the delicate balance of international rugby: respecting the legacy of icons while keeping the squad laser-focused on results.

Why It Matters To South Africans

Kolisi’s rise to 100 caps is more than a number. For many South Africans, it’s a reminder of how far rugby has come since his groundbreaking appointment as the first Black Springbok captain in 2018. His story has inspired millions far beyond the sport itself, with his journey from Zwide township to World Cup glory often celebrated as a symbol of hope and unity.

That’s why, for fans, the possibility of his centurion moment taking place in Paris, Dublin, or Tokyo feels bittersweet. Social media has already seen calls for SA Rugby to “make a plan” to bring Kolisi’s 100th back home, with supporters arguing that the milestone deserves a South African backdrop.

Looking Ahead

Whether his century arrives against France in Paris or Ireland in Dublin, one thing is certain: Kolisi’s 100th Test will be a moment etched into Springbok history. While the location may not be Kings Park or Ellis Park, the pride will stretch far beyond the stadium stands.

And in typical Kolisi fashion, he’s unlikely to make it about himself. For the captain who has always put team above personal glory, reaching 100 Tests is just another opportunity to lead South Africa forward.

{Source: SABC Sport}

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