Jake White urges Rassie to pick black players against Wales

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 17: Siya Kolisi of South Africa going over for a try during the 2nd Castle Lager Incoming Series Test match between South Africa and France at Growthpoint Kings Park on June 17, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Siya Kolisi honoured by his peers as he takes home Players’ Player of the Year award

Kolisi caps off a year of solid individual performances with big award.

Jake White urges Rassie to pick black players against Wales

DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – JUNE 17: Siya Kolisi of South Africa going over for a try during the 2nd Castle Lager Incoming Series Test match between South Africa and France at Growthpoint Kings Park on June 17, 2017 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Steve Haag/Gallo Images)

Siya Kolisi’s solid performances in the midst of a rather indifferent year for the Boks have won him the admiration of his peers as he walked away with the SA Player’s Player of the Year Award at the Players Choice Awards on Tuesday night.

The Stormers’ captain was a thorn in the opposition’s flesh and a consistent performer as he took part in all but one of the Springboks’ Tests in 2017, only missing the big away win against Italy when he had to return home for the birth of his second child. He was back in the fold a week later, captaining the side as they staged a spirited second half comeback in the narrow defeat to Wales after the loss of regular captain Eben Etzebeth to injury.

The 26-year old beat Cheetahs and Blitzboks winger Rosko Specman, Lions captain Warren Whitely, as well as new Sharks signing Makazole Mapimpi for this particular award.

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Specman and Mapimpi also walked away with awards in other categories, respectively grabbing the Backline Player of the Year as well as the #LoveChange award which is given to the most improved player over the past year.

Kolisi and Etzebeth have also been nominated for SA Rugby’s Player of the Year award, along with Bok teammates in hooker Malcolm Marx, as well as centre duo Jaco Kriel and Jan Serfontein.

Full list of Player’s Choice Awards winners

Players’ Player of the Year: Siya Kolisi
Backline Player of the Year: Rosko Specman
Forward Player of the Year: Siya Kolisi
Fans’ Choice award: Francois Venter
Defender of the Year: Malcolm Marx
Best off the Bench award: Steven Kitshoff
LoveChange award: Makazole Mapimpi

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