Siya Kolisi has challenged his compatriots to fight for the Springbok jersey as the talismanic striker accounts for his role in South Africa’s bid for a third World Cup title in 2027.
Kolisi became only the second player to lead the Boks to a successful defense of the Webb Ellis Cup in November 2023 after captaining them to the 2019 title.
For both years, the 32-year-old had to overcome serious knee injuries that threatened his ability to participate in tournaments.
As the first black Bos captain, Kolisi has become a national icon, but the 83-Test loose forward’s international future remains a subject of debate.
He joined French club Racing 92 after winning the World Cup last year and expects to relinquish his role as Bok captain while living abroad.
But the former DHL Stormers and Sharks skipper looks to Australia 2027 and believes his race is not yet run on the Test pitch.
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“As long as I still have a chance to put on the green and gold jersey, that’s all that matters.” super sports. “Very few people dream and say they want to be Springbok captain.
“Becoming captain was difficult but an honor. All I want to do is wear my uniform. “It doesn’t matter whether I’m the captain or not.”
“Right now the focus is on building that group and performing well in the Tests we play. Playing in another World Cup and winning another World Cup for your country is always the ultimate dream.
“But ultimately it will show us how our bodies feel and how our minds feel when we get there.”
“That’s what we want, that’s our dream,” Kolisi added. “But as you said, the players playing in South Africa are playing very well at the moment and it will be a challenge. If we don’t play better than them, we might have to think about taking over the jersey.
“But we say we will never give up, we will not give up the jersey easily. They will have to take it.”
Photo: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images
