Springboks in Chester tribute
SIYA Kolisi believes the late Chester Williams “opened up doors” for future Springbok generations.
South Africa will wear World Cup winner Williams’ image on their jerseys for today’s clash with New Zealand in Yokohama.
Former Springboks wing Williams died from a heart attack at the age of 49 on September 6. Williams was the only non-white 1995 World Cup winner in a tournament that proved to be transformational for the South African hosts.
Kolisi could perhaps never have become South Africa’s first black captain without trailblazers like Williams, and the 28-year-old will once again draw inspiration from his role model.
“I was very young when he played and never got to see him play,” said Kolisi. “Chester is really inspirational to all of us as a team. We look up to the team of 1995 because we feel like they changed things for us in South Africa.”
Kolisi believes South Africa have earned New Zealand’s respect amid their resurgence under boss Rassie Erasmus - but has now challenged his team-mates to perform in such a way as to retain that regard.
“It’s a rivalry that has been going since I was a kid. I remember watching when I was younger, and it’s been going on for a couple of years,” he said.
New Zealand: B Barrett; Reece, Lienert-Brown, Crotty, Bridge; Mo’unga, Smith, Moody, Coles, Laulala, Whitelock, S Barrett, A Savea, Cane, Read (c). Reps: Taylor, Tuungafasi, Ta’avao, Tuipulotu, Frizell, Perenara, SB Williams, Smith.
South Africa: le Roux,; Kolbe, Am, de Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, de Klerk; Kitshoff, Marx, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (c), du Toit, Vermeulen. Reps: Mbonambi, Mtawarira, Nyakane, Snyman, Louw, H Jantjies, F Steyn, Kriel.