Speed to breakdown key: Kolisi
YOKOHAMA: South Africa captain Siya Kolisi says speed to the breakdown will be a major deciding factor in his side’s opening Rugby World Cup match against New Zealand in Yokohama tonight, where he will come up against some familiar foes.
New Zealand coach Steve Hansen has picked two ‘‘fetchers’’ in Ardie Savea and Sam Cane for the pool B clash, pointing to the tackle area as a key battleground.
Kolisi will shoulder much of the responsibility of countering their threat.
‘‘I know how good they are. I have played against them many times.
‘‘Sam and I go all the way back to the under20s and we have probably learnt a few things about each other down the years,’’ Kolisi told media yesterday
South Africa’s management have been talking all week about their hope that referees will show fairness to all sides in key moments during the World Cup, and Frenchman Jerome Garces will have his hands full at the breakdown tonight.
But Kolisi said South Africa must be a master of its own destiny.
‘‘You can’t wait for the ref to help you at the breakdown.
‘‘Ardie has the most steals in Super Rugby. We just have to get in there quickly. It’s a big focus in the game.’’
The Boks skipper is happy to meet New Zealand in their opening match.
‘‘It is a good start to World Cup. It is good to play them first up and I’m sure they will also think the same thing.
‘‘It is better than waiting and waiting for the game. That way it might get into some of the guys’ heads.’’
The Springboks will have an image of Chester Williams embedded in their jersey numbers. The nation’s great 1995 World Cup winner, who inspired a new generation of black players to take up rugby, died on September 6 aged 49 after a heart attack.
‘‘He was from an era that opened up a lot of doors for us and we appreciate everything. Having him on our backs shows our appreciation for everything he has done.’’
Kolisi said there would be no need for him to say much in the changeroom before the match.
‘‘I don’t need to speak. We have all worked so hard this moment, since we were young. Some of us never dreamt of being at the World Cup.
‘‘All the players know what they need to do.’’