Kolisi’s 100th Bok match testament to his resilience

ON SATURDAY night, if selected to captain South Africa, Siya Kolisi will stride onto the same patch of turf where he lifted the Webb Ellis Cup for a second consecutive time just over two years ago — the Stade de France.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

However, this time around, it won't be for a prestigious trophy, but the occasion itself is the prize: his 100th Test in the Springbok jersey.

It's a milestone few achieve in their careers — he will become the ninth player in green and gold to do it - and even fewer do so with the resilience and emotional weight that Kolisi carries. His journey to the milestone over 12 years has been anything but smooth sailing, despite achieving so much with the national team.

The Bok captain has faced more scrutiny than celebration at times - criticised for his leadership, questioned over his abilities despite making successful comebacks after various injuries, and unfairly vilified by pockets of his own supporters who doubt his place in the side.