Siya Kolisi will become the ninth Springboks centurion as he captains South Africa in a colossal Test against France at the Stade de France on Saturday. The double World Cup-winning skipper earns his 100th cap 12 years after his debut, with head coach Rassie Erasmus naming a largely settled side for the Paris encounter.
Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains his place after an impressive display against Japan at Wembley, while Boan Venter comes in on the loosehead for the injured Ox Nche. Damian Willemse returns at full-back, allowing Cheslin Kolbe to revert to his customary wing position. Andre Esterhuizen provides versatile cover from a powerful replacements bench.
Erasmus paid tribute to Kolisi ahead of the landmark appearance. “This is a huge milestone for Siya and we are all delighted for him,” he said. “He is a level-headed player and although this will be a big occasion for him, and a match that we would like to make special for him, he is fully focused on the task at hand, so he won’t allow that to overshadow what he must do on the field.”
The Springboks have named 11 survivors from the thrilling 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final victory over France, a result that still rankles with the hosts. France, meanwhile, hand starts to inexperienced props Baptiste Erdocio and Regis Montagne, with Gael Fickou continuing as captain in Antoine Dupont's absence. Nolann Le Garrec is preferred to Maxime Lucu at scrum-half, while Mickael Guillard retains his position at number eight.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8.10pm GMT on Saturday, with both sides eager to make a statement in a high-stakes autumn international.
