Kolisi relishes Cup final
The last time the Springboks played in a Rugby World Cup final, their current captain, Siya Kolisi, was watching the game in a tavern.
It might not have been intoxicating viewing because John Smit’s team bruised their way to a 15-6 win over England in that final in Paris.
The occasion 12 years ago left quite a mark on SA’s captain.
“I was actually watching in a tavern because I didn’t have a TV at home‚” Kolisi said on Sunday about the time he was still residing in the Eastern Cape.
Kolisi was speaking after his team reached the World Cup final for the first time since 2007.
The Springboks beat Wales 19-16 on Sunday to reach their third final‚ where they will perhaps fittingly meet England.
“I remember what it did for us‚ I’ve never seen people coming together like that over sport‚” said Kolisi‚ who spoke about the significance of reaching the final.
“It means a lot to be in the team. We’ve worked really hard‚ all of us.
“I’ve known the coach for a while. I was 18 years old when he gave me my first contract.
“He just made it clear that the Springboks are the most important thing.
“In the past most of us tried to build ourselves through our social media accounts.
“He just got us back to earth. He had to pull us together and get our buy-in.
“We have to play well first and everything else will come‚” said Kolisi.
Before the semifinal, Kolisi received a call from President Cyril Ramaphosa to wish him and the team well.
The captain was chuffed.
“It was awesome to get a phone call from the president‚” he said.
“It was special for him to take time out to wish us good luck. Also, all the support we have been getting from SA.
“We are giving our best. We expected to make a few mistakes. I’m really glad we could handle the pressure to the end‚” he said about the tense match against Wales.
Coach Rassie Erasmus also looked a relieved man after the game.
He was just thankful he doesn’t have to do laundry on Monday.
“Every time since I started coaching the Boks in 2018, I would change my clothing when we lost a match.
“In 2018, I had to change quite a lot of clothing and in 2019, I only had to change it once‚” he said about the defeat to the All Blacks in the Springboks’ opening match at this World Cup.
“I’m hoping I can wear this at the end of the final‚” said Erasmus while pointing to his wellworn shirt.