Rivalry with NZ still alive, says skipper

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi insists South Africa’s rivalry with the All Blacks is still alive and well — and is determined to prove it tonight in Wellington.

It’s been a difficult start to the Rugby Championship for the Boks. After beating Argentina at home, Rassie Erasmus’ men have slumped to back-to-back losses — first in the return test against the Pumas, then a frustrating 23-18 defeat to the Wallabies at Suncorp Stadium last weekend.

Next up in Wellington is an almost full-strength All Blacks side that hasn’t looked like losing this year. But Kolisi says the Springboks are sticking to their game plan and are excited to go out and prove this is still one of world rugby’s biggest match-ups.

“It’s always big for us to play New Zealand,” Kolisi said. “From what I remember, my earliest memory [of the All Blacks] is the Rugby World Cup 1995 in South Africa. We know how big it is and we know how special it is for them as well.

“They’ve dominated a lot obviously in recent years. We still know that it is always a big game between us two, and we obviously want to give it our best shot and make sure it is still a valuable game that people are looking forward to every single year.”

Kolisi, 27, is yet to taste victory against the All Blacks in four previous attempts, with tonight’s test his first as Boks skipper against their traditional foe.

The down-to-earth flanker made history earlier this year against England, becoming the first black player to captain South Africa in a rugby test. He says he never thought about taking over the armband and was just happy to make the team.

Despite admitting he is still learning the role, Kolisi backs himself as a leader — just like he backs his team to win at Westpac Stadium tonight.

“The one thing I like about myself is I’m not scared to learn from others who have been there or are more experienced than I am. I’m not scared of that.”