“Scared” Kolisi reveals RWC fears
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi admitted he was “really scared” that he might miss the Rugby World Cup after he was confirmed to lead the 33-man squad on their title defence to France earlier this week.
Kolisi injured his left knee in April and has been in intensive rehabilitation to be fit enough to take his place at the head of the team in France next month.
His selection was rapturously greeted by a live audience at Multichoice City in Johannesburg and on live television, but he admitted afterwards that he feared he might not make a...
PARIS - Comments from South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi after the announcement of their team to play France in the quarter-finals at Stade de France on Sunday, 15 October.
Jacques Nienaber, head coach
On the 5-3 split on the bench, plus selections at nine and eight:
“If it’s 8-0, 7-1, 6-2, 5-3, it falls under team selection. We have selected a team, irrespective of the bench, that we think will give us the best opportunity of a victory on Sunday.
“If we select Cobus [Reinach] or Faf [de Klerk], I don’t think there would be a lot of raised eyebrows. France...
NZL 11-12 RSA: South Africa reaction (head coach Nienaber, captain Kolisi, Du Toit, Willemse, Kleyn, Fourie, Kriel, Pollard, Nche, De Allende) - REACTION
SAINT-DENIS - Reaction from South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber, captain Siya Kolisi, back-row Pieter-Steph du Toit, full-back Damian Willemse, second-row Jean Kleyn, hooker Deon Fourie, centre Jesse Kriel, fly-half Handre Pollard, prop Ox Nche and centre Damian de Allende after their team's 12-11 win over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final at Stade de France.
Damian de Allende, centre
On how it feels:
"It's...
Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will retain the captain’s armband when the world champions return to the field in the Castle Lager Incoming Series, which kicks off against Ireland in Pretoria on Saturday, 6 July, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus announced on Wednesday.
Erasmus confirmed that Kolisi, who is based overseas with French club Racing 92, will again lead the team, ending speculation that Kolisi could be replaced by a locally-based Bok captain. Kolisi guided the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 in Japan and 2023 in France.
“Siya will...
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was thrilled to be back on South African shores for what marks their biggest Test since their triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign in France when they line up against Ireland in Pretoria in the first of three Castle Lager Incoming Series matches, and said his charges were well aware about what it means to country and the team.
The last time the Springboks took the field in South Africa was almost a year ago, in July last year, against Argentina, and this will mark a magnificent home-coming for the team after being crowned double Rugby World Cup...
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the team would be playing for all South Africans when they take the field against Ireland in the Castle Lager Incoming Series decider in Durban on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named a strong 33-man squad led by double Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, which kicks off against the Wallabies in Brisbane on Saturday, 10 August.
