Siya Kolisi Reflects On Springboks’ Composure And Team Spirit In Famous Paris Victory

When Siya Kolisi walked off the Stade de France pitch at half-time, few could have guessed the drama that was still to come. The Springbok captain, celebrating his 100th Test, watched from the sidelines as his team produced one of the most composed and powerful second-half performances in modern rugby, beating France 32-17 despite being a man down.

A Century Marked By Selflessness

Kolisi’s early substitution wasn’t due to injury or formit was a tactical call. When Lood de Jager was shown a red card, head coach Rassie Erasmus reshuffled the pack, asking his skipper to step aside for the greater good.

“On a day like today, having to leave the field was a fitting example of putting the team first,” Kolisi reflected. “Coach Rassie came to me at half-time, and I had to put my emotions aside. The team comes first.”

For Kolisi, it was a moment that perfectly summed up his leadership stylehumble, selfless, and deeply team-oriented. He may not have finished the match on the field, but his influence was written all over the Bok performance.

Calm Amid The Chaos

Playing with 14 men in front of a roaring Parisian crowd could have easily unsettled the Springboks, but instead, it seemed to fuel them.

Kolisi credited the team’s discipline and composure for turning a potential disaster into a defining win. “We knew how much they wanted to win this match,” he said. “I must give credit to the teamthey really played well. I’m proud of them and our coaches for making plans and not panicking. That’s what makes this team special.”

His words echo what South African fans have come to love about this era of Springbok rugby: mental toughness and a refusal to crumble under pressure.

Rassie’s Golden Touch

While Kolisi celebrated his century, it was also a milestone night for Rassie Erasmushis 50th match as head coach. True to form, Erasmus kept the spotlight on the team rather than himself, a gesture not lost on his captain.

“Coach Rassie never made it about him this week. It was all about the team,” Kolisi said. “When you speak, we take so much from you, so thank you for all that you do.”

Erasmus’ decision to reconfigure his forwards and double down on physicality proved pivotal. South Africa’s dominance in the scrum and relentless defensive energy in the second half crushed French momentum and turned the match on its head.

A Moment For The Nation

Social media lit up after the win, with fans hailing Kolisi’s humility and the team’s character. “Even when he’s off the field, Siya leads,” one supporter posted on X. Others praised Erasmus’ “rugby genius” for yet another tactical masterclass.

For South Africans, the result was more than just a winit was a reminder of why the Springboks have become synonymous with resilience and unity.

As Kolisi lifted his 100th cap with a smile, it was clear that his legacy extends far beyond trophies. It lives in the values he embodies: humility, courage, and a belief that the Springbok jersey is always bigger than any one player.

Read More: 14 Man Springboks Shock France With Epic Comeback In Paris

For more rugby news and updates follow: SA Rugby Mag

{Source:SABC Sport}

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