VIDEO: Kolisi coy on whether he wanted 100th Test on home soil
PARIS, FRANCE: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will celebrate his 100th Test appearance fittingly at the very stadium where he lifted the World Cup trophy in 2023.
The milestone match will mark a full-circle moment for the 33-year-old flanker, who cemented his status as a global icon when he led South Africa to glory two years ago.
Kolisi’s journey from Zwide township to centurion status stands as one of rugby’s most inspiring stories. Since making his debut in 2013, he has become synonymous with resilience and leadership, guiding the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
Now, as he runs out for his 100th Test, Kolisi will return to familiar ground – one that carries the echoes of triumph and the weight of legacy – as he continues to write new chapters in South African rugby history.
Asked if he would rather have celebrated the milestone in South Africa in front of Springbok supporters, the captain rubbed his face while smiling, and said: “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know.”
*Article continues below…
While the Springbok team has downplayed all the hype and emotions around the milestones happening this weekend, with coach Rassie Erasmus reaching his 50th Test as a coach and celebrating his 53rd birthday, it was clear that the captain was starting to feel the emotions.
During the captain’s press conference on Friday afternoon, following the captain’s run at Stade de France, most of the questions were directed at Kolisi on his 100th Test coming up.
Also in attendance at the press conference was his son Nicholas.
“It would have been great to be at home. It actually wouldn’t have mattered for me,” he told Rugby365.
“I’m feeling the people’s love, I’m feeling the celebrations from home.
“And that it’s here is very special.
“France is a big rugby country. It’s a big team. And it’s a team that’s achieved so much.
“And obviously, there’s a history between the teams, and there’s a history between the teams in France.
“I’m honoured to be playing tomorrow [Saturday]. And I’m really looking forward to it. Everything that has happened off the field is exciting.
“The French have laid down the challenge, and it’s for us to accept. We’ve been there before, when you really want to win a game so badly.
“We also want to win so badly.
“So, I’m really looking forward to a tough game tomorrow; it’s not going to be easy.
“So, it doesn’t matter where it is happening for me, I’m just grateful to wear the jersey for the 100th time tomorrow [Saturday].”
