Boks ‘must not let up’

Rudolph Jacobs

After two narrow results on their November tour, the Springboks must learn to close out matches, national captain Siya Kolisi (above) believes.

Set to lead the side a 12th time in his 40th Test against Scotland in Edinburgh tonight, Kolisi said yesterday there were some pointers in their 1211 defeat to England and their 29-26 win over France.

“The ultimate goal is to play for 80 minutes, and as long as we keep improving, I know it will come,” Kolisi said.

“We will definitely be pushing for it this week.”

While the Boks lost to a controversial refereeing decision in the final seconds against England, they were aided by some sound decisions from Nigel Owens against France, which helped them get over the line.

“It was special for us as a team and the way it happened made it more special,” the skipper said.

“The boys showed fight from the beginning to the end but we made it tough for ourselves.

“It was also nice to see the things that we were doing in training come through for us in the game.”

Kolisi, who had been replaced in the 62nd and 67th minutes respectively in the previous two games, insisted the Boks were retaining their work ethic despite the team coming to the end of a tough season.

“It has been a really good week and we have worked really hard and had to look at ourselves after the tough first half last week, but we have prepared really well and are excited for this weekend,” he said.

“Coach Rassie, his management team and others have prepared us really well.

“Where we would (previously) be having breaks, we are now training, so we are always active, and he made it so simple. This year it is only 14 games that you play for the Boks.”

Also see Page 42