Springboks captain Siya Kolisi’s ‘fairytale story’ will inspire the next generation
Siya Kolisi reacts after defeat in the France 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final match between France and South Africa at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick believes that Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi will inspire the next generation of South African rugby players.
Stick spoke highly of the Bok skipper ahead of the 2023 final against the All Blacks in what he describes as a “very special occasion” as rugby’s greatest rivalry takes centre stage at the World Cup.
Kolisi is from Zwide, a township near Gqerberha, and made his way through the South African rugby ranks after securing a scholarship at Grey High School.
Siya Kolisi’s impact on the next generation
On Saturday, he will break John Smit’s record as the most-capped Springbok captain at Rugby World Cups. Ahead of the clash, Stick said that Boks want to inspire the nation again and predicts that there will be many more Siya Kolisis in the future.
“This moment is very special for everyone involved. Just to be able to play a World Cup final is a very special occasion,” the former South African sevens international said.
“You ask about our background; to be honest, this is what we live for; it’s about the people who are dreaming to be in our position one day. In our communities back in South Africa, we know it is tough. We just want to do everything in our power to make sure we are reuniting those people.
“For a guy like Siya [Kolisi], coming from where he did in Zwide… wow, no doubt in 20 years, there will be a lot of Siya Kolisis. It is like a fairytale story when you talk about Siya, but it does change people’s lives. Siya has shown these youngsters that whatever their background, it is possible. If you have your head in the right place, if you have a goal, just keep chasing it. We are very proud of what Siya has achieved.
“The All Blacks have won the World Cup three times, we have won it three times, so this game is actually bigger than just a World Cup final. Whoever wins is probably going to have bragging rights for the next eight years. We just want to keep making our people at home proud because the vibe and the messages we get are very special.”
Split communities in South Africa
Turning his attention to the match itself, Stick added that the Springboks won’t be dwelling on their last victory over the All Blacks.
The two sides last met during the Rugby World Cup warm-ups, with the Boks securing a record victory over their fiercest rivals, defeating New Zealand 35-7 at Twickenham.
“One thing I’ve learnt through history is if you live in the past, you are going to have a long day in the office,” he said.
“We know the All Blacks have a lot of special X-factor players; no one gave them a chance to be where they are, and they have really gelled at the right time.
“If you look at the players who have come back from injury, Brodie Retallick, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett at 12, they have got their best possible 23 players, so you can never underestimate them. They are a special team. They are all individuals; they don’t hide behind a system, they always express themselves with their X-factor.
“It’s going to be a tough game. Whoever wins tomorrow will have to be on their game for 85 minutes. Hopefully, the conditions allow for good rugby; the supporters deserve this with probably the best two teams in the world. Both have won the Rugby World Cup three times; it doesn’t get better than this.”
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