Kolisi becomes just the ninth player in the nation’s proud rugby history to reach this remarkable milestone, a moment of immense national pride. It also marks a special occasion for head coach Rassie Erasmus, who will guide the Boks in his 50th Test at the helm.

While the spotlight rightly shines on Kolisi’s centurion status, the focus remains firmly on the task at hand, beating France. Following last week’s victory over Japan, Erasmus has rung the changes, making six personnel switches to counter the expected French physicality and hunger for revenge after their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final heartbreak.

Kurt-Lee Arendse. Photo: World Rugby

Up front, Boan Venter slots in at loosehead prop to cover for the injured Ox Nché. Seasoned campaigners Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Damian Willemse all return to the starting XV, adding power, composure, and experience.

The front row will feature Venter, Malcolm Marx, and Du Toit, with Etzebeth partnering Lood de Jager in the second row. The back row of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese reunites; the same combination that faced Les Bleus in Marseille in 2022.

In the backline, Erasmus has opted for balance and experience. Willemse moves to fullback, allowing Cheslin Kolbe to shift to his preferred wing position alongside Kurt-Lee Arendse. The midfield pairing of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel remains intact, while Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will steer the ship at halfback.

Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Morgan Piek

The bench is equally strong. RG Snyman, carrying a slight niggle, drops to the replacements to provide impact, alongside a powerful group of forwards that includes the Bulls trio of Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Wilco Louw, as well as Ruan Nortjé. Grant Williams and the versatile Manie Libbok offer backline cover.

Erasmus said the changes form part of the team’s long-term tour rotation plan, but stressed that this particular lineup is tailored to the French challenge.

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

Springboks vs. France. Photo: World Rugby

“This, however, is the team we believe is best suited to what we expect from France, and the way we want to play this weekend. Many of them have faced France in 2022 and 2023, so they know what to expect from the hosts and from their passionate home crowd.”

Speaking about Kolisi’s major personal milestone, Erasmus said it’s a well-deserved reward for the two-time Rugby World Cup winner.

“This is a huge milestone for Siya, and we’re all delighted for him. He’s a calm, focused player, and while it will be a special occasion, he won’t allow it to distract from the job at hand,” Erasmus said.

Cheslin Kolbe. Photo: World Rugby

“France will be determined to make up for the World Cup result, so we’ll celebrate Siya’s achievement after the match. Hopefully, we can make it a memorable game for him.”

Saturday’s much-anticipated Test at the Stade de France kicks off at 22:10.

France - TBA

Springboks - 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 Nortje, 21 André Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh