Siya Kolisi expects tough challenge from Argentina

Editor

Siya Kolisi and his Springbok team are energised, excited and ready for their Rugby Championship opener with Argentina in Durban on Saturday.

Kolisi will skipper the Boks from the side of the scrum following his swap with the experienced Francois Louw in a revamped loose trio, which also includes the returning Warren Whiteley at number eight.

“It’s vital that you start the competition on a good note,” said Kolisi on Friday.

“Winning home games are very important, and we know it’s going to be a huge contest on Saturday against Argentina, who will also be energised by the appointment of their new coach.

“The Jaguares’ performances in Super Rugby will give the Pumas a lot of confidence so we know we will have deliver a quality performance against them here in Durban.”

The Springbok skipper said it was especially good to welcome back Whiteley, Louw, Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx. He was also excited to see the uncapped Marco van Staden and Damian Willemse included in the Springbok matchday 23 for the first time.

According to Kolisi, the Springboks want to build on their success during the June internationals, when they managed a 2-1 win over a very good England side.

“I’m really excited for tomorrow’s match and we are looking to continue to build on what we started in June,” he said.

“Some of us had been in training for up to five weeks in Stellenbosch and we’ve spend a lot of time focussing on areas where we can improve.”

Former Springbok forward and 1995 Rugby World Cup winner Mark Andrews presented the Boks with their matchday jerseys at their team hotel in Durban on Friday afternoon.