Saturday night in Paris will be nothing short of historic for Siya Kolisi as he caps his 100th Test match for the Springboks, becoming only the ninth player to achieve this feat. Rassie Erasmus also celebrates a milestone, taking the helm for his 50th Test. Amidst the celebrations, there's a game to be played against France, a team looking for redemption after their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Kolisi's illustrious journey includes two World Cup victories, two Rugby Championships, and a Lions series win, making this match a double cherry on top.
In response to last week's triumph, Erasmus has shuffled his squad, introducing six changes from the team that routed Japan 61-7. Boan Venter steps in for the injured Ox Nche, with stalwarts Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Damian Willemse making a return to the starting lineup. RG Snyman will contribute from the bench, as Kwagga Smith sits out with a minor injury. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains the flyhalf, continuing his ascent in his fifth consecutive start under Erasmus's guidance.
The backline remains potent with Cobus Reinach and Willemse in the halves, the electric Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, and the solid center duo of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. The forward pack is bolstered by Marx, the Du Toits, and a lock pair of Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, with Kolisi leading a formidable loose trio including Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
"This is a huge milestone for Siya and we are all delighted for him," said Erasmus. "He’s a level-headed player who won’t let the occasion distract him. We’ll celebrate his achievement after the match – hopefully with a result that makes it even more memorable."
Erasmus emphasized the challenge ahead: "France have a quality team and a passionate home crowd. We’ll have to be accurate and take our chances. It’s going to be another epic battle between two proud sides."
The Springboks line up as follows: 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 (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortje, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.
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Saturday night in Paris will be nothing short of historic for Siya Kolisi as he caps his 100th Test match for the Springboks, becoming only the ninth player to achieve this feat. Rassie Erasmus also celebrates a milestone, taking the helm for his 50th Test. Amidst the celebrations, there's a game to be played against France, a team looking for redemption after their World Cup quarter-final defeat. Kolisi's illustrious journey includes two World Cup victories, two Rugby Championships, and a Lions series win, making this match a double cherry on top.
In response to last week's triumph, Erasmus has shuffled his squad, introducing six changes from the team that routed Japan 61-7. Boan Venter steps in for the injured Ox Nche, with stalwarts Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Damian Willemse making a return to the starting lineup. RG Snyman will contribute from the bench, as Kwagga Smith sits out with a minor injury. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains the flyhalf, continuing his ascent in his fifth consecutive start under Erasmus's guidance.
The backline remains potent with Cobus Reinach and Willemse in the halves, the electric Cheslin Kolbe on the wing, and the solid center duo of Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel. The forward pack is bolstered by Marx, the Du Toits, and a lock pair of Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, with Kolisi leading a formidable loose trio including Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
"This is a huge milestone for Siya and we are all delighted for him," said Erasmus. "He’s a level-headed player who won’t let the occasion distract him. We’ll celebrate his achievement after the match – hopefully with a result that makes it even more memorable."
Erasmus emphasized the challenge ahead: "France have a quality team and a passionate home crowd. We’ll have to be accurate and take our chances. It’s going to be another epic battle between two proud sides."
The Springboks line up as follows: 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 (c), 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Boan Venter. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortje, 21 Andre Esterhuizen, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Manie Libbok.