Why All Blacks legend Richie McCaw has ‘enormous respect’ for Siya Kolisi
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi with an inset of All Blacks great Richie McCaw.
Legendary All Blacks captain Richie McCaw has hailed Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi as the embodiment of everything good about rugby.
Kolisi followed in McCaw’s footsteps in 2023, becoming the second captain to lead his country to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles and now turns his attention to make it a three-peat after reaching a special milestone against France this past weekend.
The Bok flanker became just the ninth player to represent the Springboks on 100 occasions, following the likes of Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Jean de Villiers, Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira, Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield, Eben Etzebeth and Willie le Roux.
Kolisi embodies everything that is great about rugby
Much like McCaw, Kolisi also became the first back-rower to hit the milestone for his country, with Kieran Read, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea repeating the feat for the All Blacks since.
While Kolisi did celebrate his 100th game with a 32-17 victory over France in Paris, his appearance was cut short as he was replaced by Ruan Nortje at half-time with the Springboks needing a lineout general on the pitch following the red card to Lood de Jager.
He did not let that disappointment get him down, however, as he was seen cheering his teammates on from the sidelines as South Africa scored three late tries to secure the win.
It’s that kind of team-first mentality that McCaw admires about the latest Springboks centurion.
“Siya embodies everything that is great about rugby,” the legendary All Black told Rapport.
“Rugby is a game that unites people regardless of where they come from. Siya has not only excelled on the field but has endeared himself to both his teammates and the wider rugby community and in his country with his attitude off the pitch.”
Having played 144 Test matches, McCaw is well aware of the demands of international rugby, particularly in the back-rower and commended Kolisi for his perseverance.
The Bok captain has suffered his fair share of setbacks, sustaining injuries before both the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, recovering just in time to lead his side on both occasions.
“Playing 100 Test matches takes courage and perseverance despite many setbacks, such as injuries and that’s exactly what Siya has shown throughout his career,” McCaw added.
“I have enormous respect for what he has achieved.”
Rives raves about Siya
The Rapport also spoke to legendary France flanker Jean-Pierre Rives, who hailed Kolisi and likened him to ex-Springboks captain Morne du Plessis.
“What a player, what a person!” Rives remarked.
“I suspect you have a factory in South Africa that produce these wonderful players.
“I don’t know exactly what separates a very good player from a good player… but what I do know is that Kolisi is a very, very good player.”
He added: “However, a player can also be good without being a good person. Kolisi is an incredible person, as is Morne du Plessis. They are guys who bring about change in people, not just the game.”
