(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 27, 2019 South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi celebrates winning the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Wales and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama. – Only one black was wearing the Springbok jersey during the Rugby World cup in 1995. On November 2, 2019, for the World Cup final, there will be six of them on the pitch for the kickoff. More than two decades after the end of the apartheid regime, the racial transformation of the South African rugby team remains a long way to go. At the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Siya Kolisi can boast himself for being the first black captain of the Springboks, while only white men had led the team for the last 90 years. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
Springboks geared up for the game of their lives
The Springboks are relishing the rare opportunity of playing in a Rugby World Cup final.
(FILES) In this file photo taken on October 27, 2019 South Africa’s flanker Siya Kolisi celebrates winning the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final match between Wales and South Africa at the International Stadium Yokohama in Yokohama. – Only one black was wearing the Springbok jersey during the Rugby World cup in 1995. On November 2, 2019, for the World Cup final, there will be six of them on the pitch for the kickoff. More than two decades after the end of the apartheid regime, the racial transformation of the South African rugby team remains a long way to go. At the 2019 World Cup in Japan, Siya Kolisi can boast himself for being the first black captain of the Springboks, while only white men had led the team for the last 90 years. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
At least 30 out of the 31 Springbok squad members are set for what’s the biggest game of their lives when they step to the turf against England in Tokyo on Saturday.
Out of the squad currently in Japan, only Frans Steyn has played in a Rugby World Cup final as, back in 2007, he featured against the same team the men in green will be squaring up against.
Springboks geared up for special Rugby World Cup final
Unlike the utility back – who had a big moment of his own in that particular game as he nailed the kick that sealed the Boks’ second World Cup triumph – most of the current squad members made their Test debuts after the tournament in France. This includes captain, Siya Kolisi, who will be bringing up a personal milestone on Saturday.
“We have seen the videos and I can’t imagine what it will be like if we win the trophy tomorrow,” he said.
“The president was speaking about it in parliament, asking the whole country to wear Springbok jerseys today and, if you’re in a car, to hoot at one o’clock. We know how much rugby means to our country and what it has done in the past.
“I’m really proud of the way we have performed as a team and it would be a huge moment for us to lift the trophy. Huge for the team, huge for the country.
“I’m very happy that I have reached 50 – not a lot of Springboks have achieved that – but the most important thing is that I do my bit for the team and everything else will fall into place.”
Siya Kolisi
A rare opportunity
Kolisi said he was looking forward to what is a special moment for all involved.
“It’s not just another game; it’s the World Cup final,” he said.
“Not many people get this opportunity and we know that as a team – so the emotions are high.
Siya Kolisi
Like many of his teammates, Kolisi was still a young kid when the Springboks recorded their first Rugby World Cup triumph in 1995, but has vivid memories of the second time they conquered the world 12 years later.
“I got to experience it in 2007 when I watched and I saw what it did for the country and it does make a huge difference,” he added.
“It is big back at home – I haven’t seen this much support since I have been in the team.
“So we’re going to give it our best tomorrow. We are going to do what we have been doing and trust our plan. It has gotten us this far and we don’t have to change much. “We just have to give it everything we can. I know what this means to our country.”
Siya Kolisi
The Rugby World Cup final kicks off at 11:00 (SAST).
