Siya Kolisi - it's not about milestones, but about giving back

Being surrounded by his children, teammates, coaches, and the people who have shaped his life and rugby career has left Springbok captain Siya Kolisi calm and content ahead of his 100th Test match for South Africa.

Kolisi will become only the ninth Springbok to reach a century of caps when he leads the world champions out against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday evening (10.10pm kick-off).

While the occasion marks a major milestone for both him and head coach Rassie Erasmus, who will take charge of his 50th Test, the double World Cup-winning skipper insists it’s not about personal achievements. For Kolisi, the focus remains on honouring the jersey and making South Africa proud.

“It doesn’t matter about the milestone — if the team does well, then your milestone will be special anyway,” Kolisi said ahead of the match.

“All we want to do is our best to give ourselves the best chance to win. That’s how this week has been — very calm. I’m fortunate to have my kids here and some of the people who’ve supported me over the years. It’s been special in that way.”

The Bok captain hopes the team can continue inspiring South Africans with another strong performance against France. Having beaten Les Bleus in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final, the hosts will be out for revenge in what promises to be an intense encounter.

While the Stade de France crowd will be overwhelmingly behind the home team, Kolisi and his men know they’ll feel the presence of the green and gold — both in the stands and across millions of homes back in Mzansi, especially in the disadvantaged communities that have long drawn inspiration from their success.

Born in Zwide township in the Eastern Cape, Kolisi knows first-hand the power of opportunity. A scholarship helped change the course of his life, and he’s determined that others should have similar chances.

“I’m here because I was given a platform,” he said.

“It’s now our duty to create a better tomorrow for those kids — to make sure they’re safer and have opportunities and choices. That’s what rugby has done for me.

“It’s not just about the trophies. Those trophies give us a platform to give back to our communities. This game isn’t just about me — it’s about all those kids playing at clubs.

“For those 80 minutes, their parents know they’re safe. I want to thank those who share stories of our club rugby and my journey. You don’t realise how much those stories touch others — they show people it’s okay, that they can still make it.

“When we talk before games, that’s what it’s about — what coach Rassie speaks about. It’s about more than winning or losing. Our drive goes deeper than that.

“Rugby saves a lot of people from many things that can take their life away.”