Kolisi has still a long way to go

Asportswriter recently wrote the following: “Siya Kolisi stands as one of the greatest Boks of all times”. No, sir. I disagree entirely. I was privileged to watch the great Hennie Muller, hero of the 1951/52 tour of Britain. Then there was Morne du Plessis – six celebrated seasons as Springbok captain (1975-1980). Edward Griffiths in his book, The Captains, acknowledges Du Plessis as “bloodied but never bowed”. A great captain.

I would like to highlight just two of a number of great captains. Firstly, Johan Claassen. Claassen captained the side when France toured in 1956. The Springboks lost the second test and Claassen was relieved of the captaincy, but regained it again in 1961/62 with the Irish, Wallabies and Lions’ tours. Regarding the Wallaby tour Griffith’s quotes Australian captain Ken Catchpole: “Moments later Johan Claassen ran out at the head of his Springbok side, and the whole stadium was literally shaken to its foundations. I have never heard any noise quite like it”. Australia were thumped 28-3.

Secondly, Francois Pienaar. Griffiths writes: “Pienaar, led his Springboks in every possible respect. He laid his body on the line at the apex of the fiercest drives and roughest mauls, and earned the respect of his players”. (World Cup 1995 vs All Blacks). At half-time Pienaar inspired his team with these words: “Come, on guys, we have to pull it through for these people. We have to do it for our country”. We all know the result. An outstanding captain “that stood at the centre of national unity; a traditional idol that was suddenly earning the enthusiastic approval and support of Black South Africa”.

This is the stuff that legends are made of. Siya Kolisi has a long way to go to reach this status. John