‘Siya Kolisi probably best Springbok captain ever’

Tasleem Gierdien

Tasleem Gierdien

10 November 2025 | 6:31

South Africa’s rugby team – the best in the world - dedicated their emphatic victory over France on Saturday to their captain, who continued to energetically give instructions after sitting out the second half.

‘Siya Kolisi probably best Springbok captain ever’

On Saturday (8 November), France and South Africa faced off at the Stade de France in the headline clash of the 2025 Autumn Nations Series.

The game carried extra weight as the teams met for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, when the Springboks advanced on their way to another world title with a one-point victory.

The hosts suffered a 32-17 loss, with the Springboks asserting dominance over the northern hemisphere Champions.

The game marked Captain Siya Kolisi's 100th Test Match, making him the ninth Springbok centurion in history, while Erasmus guided the team in his 50th Test as head coach.

The team dedicated this match to their captain.

"We completely dominated, it was a special quality, a special game and really a pleasure to watch," says rugby journalist Jan De Koning.

"The beauty of Siya's leadership is that he was still giving instructions; it doesn't matter if you're on the field or off the field, he was still part of the team after sitting aside for the second half of the game.

"We should acknowledge the quality of the man, the quality of the player and the leader that he is. I would like to see him take us to another two World Cups.

"Siya is a special person, a special player and a very good leader, probably, the best we've had."

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