Kolisi 100th Test 'no distraction' for Erasmus' South Africa / Photo: Adrian DENNIS - AFP/File
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Kolisi 100th Test 'no distraction' for Erasmus' South Africa
South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus said on Thursday iconic captain Siya Kolisi's 100th Test will not "distract" the team before they face France in the Autumn Nations Series this weekend.
Kolisi made his Springbok debut in 2013 before leading the side to back-to-back Webb Ellis trophies in 2019 and 2023.
The 34-year-old Sharks flanker will skipper the side for Saturday's game in Paris, a re-match of the World Cup quarter-final from two years ago, becoming his country's ninth centurion.
"That will definitely not distract us," Erasmus told reporters.
"When those milestones come, if you make them bigger than the match, then you tend to come second," he added.
Kolisi grew up in a township near Port Elizabeth and was raised by his grandmother after the death of his mother when he was just 15.
He has become a national hero, surpassing his role as just a rugby player.
"When there are photos taken he's still there wherever, if you're on the way late for a flight or a meeting, or you must get into a lift, whenever he gets the chance, he connects with South Africa," Erasmus said.
"He's been on the tough side of being a South African and has grown to being a great leader in South Africa.
"His humbleness is something that is a standout for me," Erasmus added.
- Erasmus' 50th -
Erasmus, who guided the Boks to their two most recent World Cup triumphs, named nine players in his starting 15 from the run-on side from that World Cup quarter-final against France in 2023.
The 52-year-old, who won 36 caps as a player, will coach his 50th Test for the Springboks, having also had a stint as director of rugby since arriving on a full-time basis in 2017.
"My 50th is not a big thing," Erasmus said.
"We haven't mentioned it. Just to be a part of the team is awesome."
Erasmus has made four changes from last Saturday's 61-7 win over Japan with full-back Damian Willemse, flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit and props Thomas du Toit and Boan Venter coming in.
Winger Ethan Hooker, flanker Franco Mostert, and front-rowers Ox Nche and Zachary Porthen move out of the matchday 23.
The 52-year-old has chosen to start youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu over Manie Libbok and Handre Pollard at fly-half.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23, has broken through as the future for the Springboks in the playmaking role, scoring twice in last weekend's win over Japan.
Prop Boan Venter will run out for just his sixth Test appearance having only made his debut in July 2024.
He is partnered by the experienced pair of hooker Malcolm Marx and tight-head prop Thomas du Toit in the front row.
"To put him with Malcolm and Thomas, we'd rather let him swim in the tough river here, with them," Erasmus said.
"You rather have him starting there and see how he manages. We really rate Boan."
South Africa (15-1)
Damian Willemse; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Boan Venter
Replacements: Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Ruan Nortje, Andre Esterhuizen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)
H.Raes--JdB
