How selfless centurion Siya Kolisi paid tribute to those who helped him reach South Africa milestone versus France - 'I'm nothing without the boys'
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Published 09/11/2025 at 09:33 GMT
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi celebrated his 100th Test appearance with a statement win in Paris before giving a heartfelt speech that gave to those who helped him reach the pinnacle of the sport. The two-time Rugby World Cup winner said: 'I can't take credit for everything that I've achieved'. The Springboks won 32-17 at Stade de France. Watch Italy vs South Africa next Saturday on TNT Sports.
Highlights: Kolisi claims 100th cap as 14-man South Africa sink France in Paris
Video credit: TNT Sports
Siya Kolisi marked his 100th Test appearance in fitting style as South Africa produced a stirring second-half performance to defeat France 32–17 in the Quilter Nations Series on Saturday night.
But the milestone man was quick to insist that none of his success would have been possible without the backing of his teammates.
The Spingboks overturned a half-time deficit despite being reduced to 14 men for the entire second half.
Damian Penaud became France's all-time leading try-scorer during a breathless opening period that also saw Lood de Jager sent off for a high tackle on Thomas Ramos.
Kolisi featured for 40 minutes before being withdrawn in a tactical reshuffle but continued to inspire from the touchline as his side recorded a famous win - their biggest in Paris since 1997.
The 34-year-old, who became only the ninth Springbok to reach 100 caps, described the night as deeply meaningful.
"It's so special," said the captain, who grew up in the township of Zwide in the Eastern Cape.
"Honestly, it means a lot to me and my family and to the team, too. I can't take credit for everything that I've achieved.
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'I’m nothing without the boys' - Kolisi delivers HEARTFELT speech after South Africa win
Video credit: TNT Sports
"There have been so many people along the way who have helped me. Through the toughest of times, my Lord and Saviour Jesus - I've been through so much, but I've always had a helper with me.
"And also the boys, everything that I've done is not by my own doing. I'm nothing without the boys. I'm so grateful for the way we fought and when we were able to do it.
"Anybody who grew up in similar circumstances to me, no matter what skin colour they are, no matter where they are in the world, I just want them to know it's possible.
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"It's not just me. There are many guys in my team, or many guys in sports, who've made it through difficult circumstances.
"I hope that they look at us and know that it is possible, no matter what, as long as they put their head down and stick to the people who encourage them and believe in themselves."
Player of the Match Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who scored 17 of South Africa's 32 points, said the team had been determined to make Kolisi’s landmark occasion a memorable one.
"The first half was what we thought it was going to be at the Stade de France – 14-13 at half time, it was tough," Feinberg-Mngomezulu said.
"We were getting good rewards from our contestable kicking game, but we weren’t getting points on the board.
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Feinberg-Mngomezulu celebrates 'real leader' Kolisi as South Africa dispatch France
Video credit: TNT Sports
"But I’m just so proud that everyone stuck in and made it special for big Siya."
Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s accuracy from the tee kept South Africa within striking distance, but it was his try after the break that helped secure victory.
"It’s good fun," he added. "I’m part of such an incredible team. Playing for my country on a Saturday – it’s my dream. It’s all of our dreams.
"These little things (awards) don’t mean much. I’m just happy that we won with 15 points here today to make Siya’s day."
Head coach Rassie Erasmus, overseeing his 50th Test in charge, praised his side’s composure and collective effort under pressure.
"It was probably close to midnight at home [when the final whistle sounded], so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game – we play for them and for South Africa," said Erasmus.
"I also want to say thank you to our captain, who was taken off because Andre [Esterhuizen] can play loose forward and centre, which was a tough call. But when I told him, he just took it on the chin and understood.
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Esterhuizen punishes France's wastefulness as 'raw physics' puts Boks ahead
Video credit: TNT Sports
"Boan [Venter] also came off early in the match because he has to get used to the intensity of these matches, although I thought he went really well.
"I think the guys who started probably softened up the opposition, and then the bench could go and finish it. Even when Manie [Libbok] came on and Sasha went to fullback, I thought everybody had a good impact.
"That comes from the players understanding that it's a 23-man effort, and the coaches made good plans, which made it easier for the players who came on from the bench."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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