Siya Kolisi added another remarkable chapter to his Springbok legacy on Saturday night, but the newly crowned most successful captain in South African history was far more interested in talking about the team than himself.
Kolisi led the Boks to a thrilling 29-24 victory over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium, taking the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series to 2-1, while moving past John Smit as the Springboks’ most successful captain with a record 55 Test wins.
Yet, in the afterglow of one of the most fiercely contested matches of the rivalry, personal milestones were the last thing on his mind.
“If this were tennis, it would be different… but this is a team sport,” Kolisi said. “It shows the work Rassie (Erasmus) and our coaching staff put in.
“We’ve got so many leaders in this side that I really only have one job to do, which is focus on my own game.”
@iol.sport Joburg, you showed up and completely blew the roof off! 🇿🇦 From the deafening roar of 90,000 fanatical voices echoing through FNB Stadium to the absolute heart-in-mouth tension on the turf, yesterday was pure high-octane drama. That unstoppable Gauteng energy, world-class rugby, and a legendary atmosphere that only the Calabash can deliver! The Springboks snatched an incredible victory to set up the ultimate climax, defeating the All Blacks 29-24. Now, it all comes down to the grand finale in the USA! 🏉🔥 #rugbysgreatestrivalry #Springboks #allblacks ♬ original sound – IOL Sport
Kolisi insists that the philosophy behind the Boks’ success is their remarkable depth and consistency.
“The way the coaches rotate the team and give other guys opportunities keeps everyone hungry,” he said. “If you don’t get picked this week, you know your chance is coming. It also keeps us fresh, so we’re not overplayed.
“It’s a group effort, and I’m really happy about that.”
There was also a bigger significance to Saturday night’s victory, played out in front of almost 90,000 fans at Soccer City, on the outskirts of Soweto.
“It was really special,” he said. “We always say we won’t just say thank you in words, but through our effort.
“We were tested in those first 25 minutes. They came out firing, and we had to dig deep to fight our way back into it.”
The Soweto setting made that effort even more meaningful.
Kolisi spoke about children who could not afford tickets, but chased the Springbok team bus, simply for a glimpse of their heroes.
“They can’t afford to come and watch us play, but seeing that, and understanding the history of this place, the young people who fought so that we could be sitting here today, that’s why we wanted this game here,” he said.
“That’s what we play for — not just the people who can afford it, but everyone.”
And despite the significance of the victory, Kolisi believes the Boks still have another level to find when they face the All Blacks in Baltimore this weekend.
“I thought we played better in the first Test at Ellis Park; we just didn’t convert our chances,” he said. “There’s still so much more we can do. Our defence, in particular, can get better.
“Playing together more consistently helps a great deal, and I’m looking forward to what we can build on next week in Baltimore.”
Bok coach Erasmus was adamant that the job was only half done.
The Boks and All Blacks flew to the USA on Saturday night, with the fourth and final Test in Baltimore now looming large.
“I know a lot of people said that this is the series here in South Africa, but it is not — we’ve played three games here, and we’re one up, but the final game is still to come,” said Erasmus.
“We can’t lose it anymore because there’s no points difference or tries scored as in a tie-breaker. But the trophy was actually designed in two halves to be shared if it’s a draw. So, it’s game on.”
The Boks had to fight every inch of the way to secure their victory at Soccer City, trailing until the 58th minute before finally taking control in the closing stages.
They only established a two-score advantage with 10 minutes remaining in a Test packed with drama and momentum swings.
He admitted the All Blacks had been the better side for much of the first half, praising their ability to retain possession and keep the Boks under pressure.
“They were definitely on top in the first half,” he said. “All of us, I think, envy the way they can handle the ball, and they’re certainly brilliant at that.”
It was, he admitted, a nerve-shredding experience for everyone involved.
“I’m not sure what my heart rate was, but we were certainly nervous. And I think they were nervous,” he said.
The narrow margin also underlined just how fine the margins are between the world’s two leading rugby nations.
“It’s massive. You’re playing number one and two in the world, and it switches one week to the next,” said Erasmus. “It certainly lives up to the hype, and I can tell you now, we’re not sitting here thinking we are flipping awesome. We’re thinking there was also a lot of luck that went our way.”
The Boks will be without Cheslin Kolbe in Baltimore after Erasmus revealed that the wing had fractured his jaw during Saturday’s match.
