Kolisi to earn 100th Test cap as Erasmus makes six changes for France clash

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will become only the ninth South African to reach 100 Test caps when he leads the world champions against France at the Stade de France in Paris on Saturday.

The occasion will also mark Rassie Erasmus’ 50th Test as head coach — a fitting double milestone for the duo who have guided the Boks to consecutive Rugby World Cup titles, Rugby Championship crowns, and a British & Irish Lions Series victory.

Erasmus has made six changes to the side that beat Japan last week, headlined by Boan Venter replacing the injured Ox Nché at loosehead prop. Thomas du Toit (tighthead), Eben Etzebeth (lock), Pieter-Steph du Toit (flanker), and Damian Willemse (fullback) also return to the starting XV, while lock RG Snyman shifts to the bench in place of Kwagga Smith, who is nursing a niggle.

Venter joins hooker Malcolm Marx and Du Toit in the front row, with Etzebeth pairing Lood de Jager at lock. The familiar loose trio of Kolisi, Du Toit, and eighthman Jasper Wiese reunite — the same combination that started in the Boks’ narrow 30–26 loss to France in Marseille in 2022.

In the backline, Willemse takes over at fullback, allowing Cheslin Kolbe to shift to the wing alongside the deadly Kurt-Lee Arendse.

Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel form a seasoned midfield and will extend their record partnership, with Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu partnering at halfback.

The bench includes a powerful mix of forwards Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Snyman, Ruan Nortjé, André Esterhuizen, who can slot in at the back, and Grant Williams, and Manie Libbok as the replacement halfbacks.

Erasmus praised his captain’s milestone ahead of the duel.

“This is a huge achievement for Siya. He’s a level-headed player who won’t let the occasion overshadow his focus. We’re all proud of what he’s accomplished and eager to make it a special night for him,” Erasmus said.

“We always planned to make a few changes for this match, and we’ll continue to rotate the players throughout the tour, so we can give as many players as possible a chance while at the same time trying to achieve our objectives on the field.

“This is a huge game, and the entire team knows how determined France will be to make up for the World Cup result, so we’ll celebrate Siya’s achievement after the match. That said, hopefully we can make it a memorable game for him.”

Springboks XV

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter.

Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortjé, 21 André Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.