Siya Kolisi and two other men on the brink of Rugby World Cup history

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi has the chance to make history leading the national team at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Kolisi sets out to follow in the footsteps of famous All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

With data from Bettingexpert.com we take a look at Kolisi and two other men who could make Rugby World Cup history.

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Siya Kolisi can go back to back

Kolisi could become only the second player ever (and the first ever South African) to win the RWC twice as a captain – Kolisi was the captain in 2019 when South Africa won and he was once again named skipper in 2023.

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The only player to ever win twice is Richie McCaw (New Zealand) who was winning captain in 2011 and 2015.

Francois Pienaar would not lead the Springboks in 1999 after his successful spell at the helm in 1995 after he left South African rugby to play in the English Premiership.

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While John Smit did captain the 2011 side following the 2007 triumph, his charges bombed out of the RWC in the quarter-finals, still the worst effort by the Springboks at a World Cup.

The All Black making history

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Sam Whitelock could break his third place tie with Sonny Bill Williams for the most winning appearances (18) and he could move to second (19 winning appearances), the current record held by Kevin Meleamu (New Zealand) or first place (20 winning appearances – the current record held by Richie McCaw (NZ), depending on how far New Zealand progress at the World Cup.

Whitelock could also potentially break the record for the most match appearances, which is currently held by Jason Leonard (England) and Richie McCaw (New Zealand) with 22 appearances each, Whitelock currently has 19.

The ref making history

Wayne Barnes will become the first referee to officiate in five editions of the Rugby World Cup and he will also extend his record as the referee with the most matches overseen (he has overseen 21 tournament matches so far).

Do you think the Springboks can win the Rugby World Cup?

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