By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mark Alexander, President of SA Rugby, has congratulated Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and head coach Rassie Erasmus ahead of their special milestones in Paris on Saturday evening.
Kolisi will lead South Africa out against France in his 100th Test, joining eight other Springbok centurions, while Erasmus will be in charge as head coach of the Boks in his 50th Test.
Kolisi’s rise is in some ways the perfect South African story because he represents all of us through his experiences. He comes from humble roots and now lives in comfort. But the journey he has been through to get here has encompassed all stages of the South African tapestry.
He emerged from poverty to reach the highest level of a sport that shows no mercy to reputation, background or expectation. In rugby at the highest level, everything must be earned, every day. Two serious knee injuries, among the dozens of other sprains and strains, underlines this.
Kolisi adopted his two half-siblings, married Rachel, a white woman (they have subsequently divorced) and is a devoted father to two children – Nicholas and Keziah – who will be in Paris on Saturday night to cheer him on.
Today, we celebrate not one, but two remarkable milestones in the proud story of South African rugby,” said Alexander.
“Together, Siya and Rassie’s journeys have become inseparable from the modern history of our game and our country.
“Siya Kolisi’s century of Tests is a testament to resilience, leadership and inspiration. From humble beginnings in Zwide to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup twice as our captain, it is the story of a boy who dared to dream, of a leader who rose to unite a nation and of a champion who carried the hopes of millions on his shoulders – with humility, courage and grace.
“Rassie Erasmus, in his 50th Test as head coach, has been the architect of a new era. His vision, innovation and courage have reshaped the Springbok identity. He took a team at a crossroads and restored belief, discipline and pride.
“Under his guidance, the Springboks reclaimed their place at the summit of world rugby, reminding us that excellence is born of hard work, trust and bold leadership.”
Alexander praised the pair for forging a partnership that transcends the rugby field.
“They have united a team and, in doing so, united a nation,” he said.
“Their story is not just about victories and trophies, it is about healing divisions, inspiring young South Africans and proving that when we stand together, nothing is impossible.
Kolisi was always in the Bok squad, orbiting the periphery, never fully cracking it. At that stage Kolisi had been playing blindside flank and No 8, and had not evolved into the unique openside he has become today.
His first 13 Test caps, won between 2013 and 2015, were all off the bench. It took until 2016 under coach Allister Coetzee, his old Stormers mentor, for Kolisi to finally start a Test in his 14th outing, when he ran out at blindside against Ireland at Newlands.