Why kKolisi should celebrate century under Stade de France’s lights

SPRINGBOK head coach Rassie Erasmus must make a bold decision over the next couple of weeks about where his captain, Siya Kolisi, will celebrate his 100th Test for the national team.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

The double World Cup-winning captain currently has 98 Tests for his country, and with five matches scheduled for November in Europe, Kolisi is likely to reach that milestone within the next month.

As a leader who has come to embody the best of South African rugby, the milestone must mean more than just aceremony, though, it should reflect his journey and his legacy.

That is why Kolisi’s century must be at the Stade de France in Paris, in the second Test against France, tipped to be the showpiece fixture of the tour. The Boks open their northern campaign against Japan at Wembley Stadium. It's a good game for rhythm and rotation — a chance to test combinations, ease players back after a demanding season, and build momentum.

That is the perfect setting for Kolisi’s 99th. Get the number out of the way, settle the nerves, and clear the emotional clutter before the main match.