Siya Kolisi is honoured to have been selected to lead the Springboks for the 50th time in Sunday’s final Rugby World Cup pool match against Tonga and said it was a milestone he never thought he would achieve.
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Kolisi explained his rugby journey and gave credit to those who made this achievement possible at a media conference at the team hotel outside Toulon and Friday.
“I never dreamed of this,” Kolisi said. “I started playing rugby because I enjoyed it, it kept me out of trouble and my friends played the sport. But I certainly didn’t think I’d be sitting here now.”
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“It was not an easy road because I was always the joker and the naughty guy in a team. At the Boks it was difficult at first, but there is no greater honour (than being the Bok captain).
“Being the first black captain made it tough too, but I would never have made it to this point if it was not for my team-mates, as well as coach Rassie (Erasmus, Director of Rugby) and coach Jacques (Nienaber). They put structures in place around me to assist me, and thanks to them it made my job easier,” Kolisi concluded.
KOLISI IS SET FOR A SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT THIS WEEKEND
Springbok record against Tonga:
Played 2, Won 2, Lost 0. Points for: 104; Points against: 35. Tries scored: 16; Tries conceded: 4. Highest score: 74; Biggest win: 64 points (74-10). Average score: 52-17. Win %: 100%.
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- Milestones:
Willie le Roux will play in his 90th Test match for the Boks on Sunday. - Siya Kolisi will captain the Springboks for the 50th time in a Test match.
- It will be the third Test match between the Springboks against Tonga. The last time they lined up against one another was at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, also in France, with the Boks winning by 30-25.
SPRINGBOK TEAM TO FACE TONGA