Siya Kolisi marked his 100th Test cap with trademark humility and leadership, putting the team first as world champions the Springboks came from behind to humble France 32-17 in an intense Autumn international on Saturday.
Kolisi, who rose from humble beginnings in Zwide township in Gqeberha to become South Africas first Black captain and a two-time World Cup winner, was taken off at Stade de France in Paris as part of a tactical plan that helped the Boks manage the game after lock Lood de Jagers red card left them a man short for the second half.
His calm authority during a game of fluctuating emotions encapsulated the qualities that have made him a unifying figure far beyond sport.