Springboks legend’s blunt response to Siya Kolisi ‘distraction’ claims
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi and former Bok fly-half Joel Stransky.
Siya Kolisi’s rumoured return to South Africa from France to further his club rugby career will not weigh on the Springbok captain’s mind during the upcoming Rugby Championship campaign.
That was the word from former Springboks fly-half Joel Stransky who said he believes Kolisi is the type of player who has shown in the past that he reacts positively to criticism and it shows in the way he plays.
The 33-year-old back-row currently plies his trade at Racing 92 and ahead of South Africa‘s recent two-Test series against Ireland he copped some flak from his club’s president Jacky Lorenzetti, who said Kolisi has ‘gained weight, lost shape and was transparent’ after he completed his first season with the Parisian outfit.
Set to return to the Sharks
That has led to Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus confirming that negotiations between Racing 92 and the Sharks are underway over Kolisi‘s return to South Africa just a season into his three-year contract at the Top 14 club.
Stransky was asked if those discussions around Kolisi’s club future would create a diversion while he’s preparing for the Boks’ Rugby Championship campaign and was adamant that it would not be the case.
“No distraction at all, I don’t think,” he told SENZ Radio. “I think, you know, there were rumours about the French club not being particularly happy with him before the Irish Tests and called him fat and overweight and out of shape and not contributing.
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“And then look at how well he played against Ireland, you know. So I don’t think it’s an issue. I think he is this sensational leader and he doesn’t let things like that get to him.
“He will run on there. And I actually think when he’s copped a bit of criticism and when he’s maybe, you know, been highlighted as one who’s maybe on the edge of retiring or maybe not worthy of his place, he has come out under those conditions and played sensationally.
‘He’s a great captain’
“So I think he’s a man who thrives under pressure. He’s a great captain. The players love him. He’s adored by all.
“I have no doubt, it won’t be a distraction. And I’ve no doubt he’ll come out and play well.”
Kolisi will lead the Springboks in their Rugby Championship opener against the Wallabies at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
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