Boks ‘will play anywhere’ to complete Rugby Championship

Planet Rugby 20 Aug 2021 9:05 AM

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi insists that they aren’t worried where the remaining Rugby Championship games are played – providing they go ahead.

South Africa will take on Argentina on Saturday as they look to make it successive victories over the Pumas, but the rest of the competition is in disarray.

The All Blacks withdrew from their Bledisloe Cup tie against Australia and also cancelled their matches with the Boks due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

It was a call which left Wallabies head coach Dave Rennie fuming and a decision on the 2021 tournament should be made over the coming days.

Kolisi, who represented the Springboks alongside coach Mzwandile Stick at Friday’s press conference, was philosophical about the current situation, but is adamant about the matches being completed.

In a privileged position

“There are two teams here already. We would love to stay here and play, but we will also play anywhere,” South Africa’s captain told reporters.

“We missed a whole year of rugby, so at this moment we will do anything to continue playing. We don’t know what will happen with this virus in the future, so we are appreciating the time we have.

“We are in a very privileged position. In this time when people are losing so much, including their jobs, we are still able to play. We can’t make excuses and complain.

“Something that we can’t control is what that decision is going to be, but tomorrow is happening and we are really excited and looking forward to that.

“Argentina will probably say the same thing. What happens, happens, but we know that tomorrow is guaranteed.”

SA Rugby has come out and offered to host the rest of the Rugby Championship and Stick would support that move.

“From my side, we’re just grateful to get an opportunity to play. Any opportunity we get as a team now, we really appreciate it,” said Stick.

“Yes, we’d love to play in South Africa, but we’re game for anything. If we have to travel to Australia, we’ll be up for that challenge. Let’s wait and see what the decision is from the top. Whatever decision is taken, we’ll be up for it.

“If you look at the facilities that we have got in South Africa … FNB Stadium, Ellis Park, Loftus … those are very good stadiums to host any kind of event.

“We’ve hosted the 1995 World Cup and we’ve hosted big events before, and also to see the hosting of the British & Irish Lions where all the games were played in Cape Town.”