Kolisi is set to become the ninth player to don the hallowed green-and-gold, and he joins an elite list of captains to reach the milestone – with the others being John Smit, Jean de Villiers, Victor Matfield, and Eben Etzebeth (playing in his record-extending 139th Test on the weekend). The other Bok centurions are Bryan Habana, Tendai Mtawarira, Percy Montgomery, and Willie le Roux.

Erasmus himself will reach an incredible milestone on Saturday, as it will be his 50th Test as head coach of the back-to-back World Champions. As a player, he pulled the jersey over his head on 36 occasions, and in one he was the skipper – which made him Springbok captain number 47. In addition, he also served in a lot more Tests over the years during various coaching tenures under the likes of Heyneke Meyer and Jacques Nienaber.

Siya Kolisi. Photo: Morgan Piek

Erasmus downplayed his milestone, saying it was just a matter of serving his country, but Kolisi deserves the shine this weekend.

“My 50th Test is really not a big thing – we haven’t even mentioned it. We only saw it in the media the other day,” said Erasmus.

“For me, just being part of the team is lekker. I’ve been lucky enough to represent South Africa in many ways – from technical analyst to assistant coach, to director of rugby – and it’s always special to be in the Springbok environment with so many South Africans behind us. That’s lekker.”

Speaking of his captain, with whom he has had a strong relationship since their days at the Stormers, Erasmus added that Kolisi’s humility and ability to bounce back from setbacks are what make him a remarkable player and leader.

“There are only nine guys who’ve played 100 Tests, and Siya was on about 25 caps when we made him captain,” Erasmus added.

“The biggest credit I can give him is that, like all of us, he’s had dips in form, injuries, and personal challenges – but he’s always come through stronger. At both World Cups, he was doubtful right up until the tournament, but he still delivered.

“He’s 35 now and playing probably the best rugby of his life, and we’re incredibly proud of him. But as Siya always does, he keeps it humble. He never makes the milestone bigger than the match – and that’s why he’s such a great leader.”

Siya Kolisi, after captaining the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup title for a second time. Photo: Springboks

Erasmus added that the difference between what separates a good Springbok from a great Springbok is putting your country first, and it is something that few are able to do.

“In my opinion, there’s a big difference between playing for yourself because you’re a Springbok, and playing for your country because you’re a Springbok,” Erasmus added.

“Some guys have all the potential in the world, but they never quite get that it’s not about how good you are – it’s about how much you give to the team and to South Africa.

Rassie Erasmus. Photo: Morgan Piek

“When you serve the team, when everything you do is to make the Springboks better, that’s when you become great. Some players get it immediately, some take time, and some never do. That, to me, is the difference between a good Springbok and a great one.”

Saturday’s Test between France and the Springboks at Stade de France in Paris kicks off at 22:10.

France - 15 Thomas Ramos, 14 Damian Penaud, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 12 Gaël Fickou (captain), 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 10 Romain Ntamack, 9 Nolann Le Garrec, 8 Mickaël Guillard, 7 Paul Boudehent, 6 Anthony Jelonch, 5 Emmanuel Meafou, 4 Thibaud Flament, 3 Régis Montagne, 2 Julien Marchand, 1 Baptiste Erdocio

Replacements - 16 Guillaume Cramont, 17 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 18 Dorian Aldegheri, 19 Romain Taofifénua, 20 Hugo Auradou, 21 Oscar Jegou, 22 Maxime Lucu, 23 Nicolas Depoortere

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 cvs