Siyamthanda Kolisi in Cape Town. Image: David Harrison / AFP
ICYMI: What did we do to deserve Siya Kolisi?
Siyamthanda Kolisi is already a hero in Springboks colours but he can take his legacy to a whole new level in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against the All Blacks.
Siyamthanda Kolisi in Cape Town. Image: David Harrison / AFP
The Springboks fought their way to the Rugby World Cup final on Saturday and gave themselves a shot at defending the crown they won in Japan four years ago. Skipper Siya Kolisi, whether visibly or subtly, is at the heart of everything they do.
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Kolisi is a picture of humility
There is an obvious steeliness and grit evident in Siya Kolisi’s approach to rugby matches. However, the most telling side to his personality is a gentle humility always on show at the end of bruising contests. His first action is to always speak about his opponent in glowing terms, an obvious indicator of his humility, leadership and willingness to take disappointment on the chin. The Springboks were close to disappointment in this year’s barnstorming quarter-final against France and then the excruciatingly tense semi-final against England. Margins are tiny in elite sports. Having a warrior like this guy on your team tilts the scales in your favour and that’s a privilege. It’s a competitive advantage.
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Siya Kolisi: Springboks mainstay
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing for Kolisi since his Bok debut in June 2013, the day before his 22nd birthday. He has faced criticism over his form, as all players do, and he’s lost his place in the side at various junctures. One constant, however, has been Kolisi’s parallel obsession with self-improvement and putting the team first. The Racing 92 flanker has won 82 caps for South Africa but it almost feels as though that number should be larger. It’s difficult to imagine the Springboks before Siyamthanda Kolisi and it will be pretty strange adjusting to life without him when he eventually retires.
Fortunately for us, at 32, there are plenty more big games and grand occasions left in him. There’s a massive one in Paris on Saturday and you can be sure Kolisi will be ready to give it everything he’s got. That’s all he knows. Let’s revert back to the original question though; what did we do in another life to deserve this guy? The mind boggles. There will never be a player like him ever again, so enjoy his variety of skills and lessons while they’re still available to you.
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