"End is nigh" - Rassie Erasmus confirms 'emotional' decision on Siya Kolisi

Monday, 29 September 2025 at 21:32

bySteven Smith

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus admits he faces an “emotional decision” over where Siya Kolisi will bring up his 100th Test cap.

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Kolisi, who reached 97 caps in South Africa’s win over Argentina in Durban, is set to become the next Bok centurion following Eben Etzebeth in 2022 and Willie le Roux earlier this year. Damian de Allende and Pieter-Steph du Toit are also closing in on the landmark, both currently sitting on 92 appearances.

If selected, Kolisi will move to 98 against Argentina in London before South Africa’s end-of-year tour which features Tests against Japan, France, Italy, Ireland and Wales.

Erasmus admitted the significance of Kolisi’s milestone but stressed that sentiment cannot be allowed to undermine results.

“There are so many emotional decisions one has to make,” Erasmus said. “We are tight and very good friends, and there’s a mutual belief in each other.

“We have [Makazole] Mapimpi, who is on 47 [Test caps], and we want to get him to 50 Tests, and Siya [Kolisi] has 97 caps. You can’t always plan where players will earn their 100th Test cap.

“If you start thinking too much about it, that’s when you start risking losing Tests sometimes. Whether he does it against France or wherever it may be, we will celebrate it there when it happens.”

“Not good enough” – Four Springboks and one England star in 2025 World XV

South Africa and New Zealand dominate the line-up, with France and Italy also making strong contributions.

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World XV

1. Ox Nché (South Africa — Loose-head Prop)

The Springboks’ scrum weapon. Ox Nché’s combination of power, technical precision, and low-body positioning has humbled some of the best tight-heads in the world. He’s been in relentless form, topping performance charts and setting the tone for South Africa’s physical dominance.

2. Dan Sheehan (Ireland — Hooker)

Ireland’s dynamic hooker was a constant bright spark in 2025—scoring tries, leading the set-piece, and offering a constant carrying threat. His Lions tour was standout, even if it ended in controversy with a short suspension. Sheehan’s blend of skill and aggression makes him arguably the most in-form No. 2 in the world.

3. Tyrel Lomax (New Zealand — Tight-head Prop)

Now firmly established as the All Blacks’ anchor on the tight-head side, Lomax offers brute force in the scrum and strong contributions in the loose. His work rate around the field complements his set-piece reliability.

4. Eben Etzebeth (South Africa — Lock)

A veteran enforcer who still plays with the same bite he had a decade ago. Etzebeth’s line-out presence, defensive steel, and leadership remain vital to every team he represents. A genuine intimidator.

5. Maro Itoje (England — Lock)

Captain of the victorious Lions in Australia, Itoje led with both physicality and composure. His tour performances were tireless—dominating the air, disrupting opposition ball, and setting the emotional tone for the squad.

6. Tadhg Beirne (Ireland — Lock/Back-Row)

A turnover machine and line-out threat, Beirne’s versatility makes him a coach’s dream. Whether at blindside or in the second row, he consistently delivers work rate, breakdown steals, and intelligent support play.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (South Africa — Lock/Back-Row)

Known for his tireless tackling and unmatched work ethic, du Toit thrives in the big moments. His ability to shift between lock and flanker adds valuable flexibility to any pack.

8. Ardie Savea (New Zealand — No. 8)

A one-man highlight reel, Savea mixes explosive ball-carrying with clever link play and crucial turnovers. His leadership and athleticism make him indispensable for the All Blacks.

9. Antoine Dupont (France — Scrum-Half)

The heartbeat of French rugby, Dupont combines lightning quick service with unmatched running threat from No. 9. Even after injury setbacks, he remains the gold standard for modern scrum-halves.

10. Finn Russell (Scotland — Fly-Half)

Russell continues to redefine playmaking at fly-half—pulling the strings with vision, audacious kicks, and pinpoint passing. His composure under pressure has made him one of the most feared playmakers in the game.

11. Damien Penaud (France — Wing)

Penaud is a finisher supreme, with a try-scoring record that rivals anyone in the world game. Blessed with pace, footwork, and instincts, he can turn half-chances into match-winners.

12. Tommaso Menoncello (Italy — Inside Centre)

Italy’s rising star has the power to break the gain line and the finesse to release his outside backs. His emergence has been a major factor in Italy’s growing competitiveness on the international stage.

13. Jordie Barrett (New Zealand — Centre)

Tall, skilful, and physically imposing, Barrett offers stability in defence and creativity in attack. His kicking game and vision add an extra dimension to the midfield.

14. Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa — Wing)

Still one of the most electrifying players in rugby, Kolbe’s footwork and acceleration can dismantle any defensive line. A proven match-winner in the biggest games.

15. Tom Wright (Australia — Fullback)

Australia’s dependable fullback brings a sharp counter-attacking game and safe hands under the high ball. His positional play and attacking awareness make him a key figure in the Wallabies backline.