Kolisi’s plea to the Boks
SKIPPER: IF THE TEAM DON’T IMPROVE EVERY WEEK IT WILL MEAN NOTHING He singled out the ‘phenomenal’ Brits for his influence.
It is imperative for the Springboks to take the lessons learned from their pool matches into next week’s crucial World Cup quarterfinals, captain Siya Kolisi said yesterday.
With the Boks having completed their pool fixtures, they had a lengthy break before their lasteight clash to be played on Sunday next week, and they would have to wait until the end of this week to find out the identity of their quarterfinal opponents.
In the build-up to the playoffs, Kolisi was pleased with the intensity shown in their last pool match, with their 66-7 victory over Canada earlier this week helping lift the belief and confidence in the side.
“I was very proud of the boys, especially in the first half,” Kolisi said.
“For us it was just important to stick to our structures and to ensure that our kicking play was in place... because regardless of the scoreline, if we don’t improve every week it will mean nothing.”
Having returned to full fitness, Kolisi lasted the entire game against the Canadians.
It also meant that Bok coach Rassie Erasmus would go into the play-offs with his first-choice loose trio displaying solid form, with Kolisi being joined in the back row by impressive blindside flank Pieter-Steph du Toit and the robust Duane Vermeulen at No 8.
“It feels good to have been able to put 80 minutes behind me, especially after the performance we had,” said the skipper.
Kolisi also made special mention of veteran hooker Schalk Brits, who probably played his final Test against Canada.
“Schalk has been phenomenal both on and off the field and an inspiration to the younger players,” Kolisi said.
“He is always ready with a chirp or a joke to create a relaxed atmosphere within the squad.
“He was also available to lend a helping hand to our other two hookers, Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx, to assist them in any way possible, and he is a really great team man.”