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'He cares about Siya from the township': Kolisi gushes over departing Nienaber
By Josh Raisey
As South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber enters his final week with the team before joining Leinster after the World Cup, his captain Siya Kolisi has showered him in praise and admiration.
Kolisi eulogised over his coach after the Springboks' epic World Cup semi-final comeback win over England on Saturday at the Stade de France, but it went far beyond the usual platitudes. This was an impassioned three minute speech about Nienaber as a person rather simply as a rugby coach.
Having known Leinster-bound coach since the age of 18, Kolisi did say that he learned how to tackle under his aegis, but he said that "he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field."
"I was 18 years old," the 2019 World Cup winning captain said. "I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques. He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].
“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had two show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do. He speaks to us with human courtesy.
"They don’t encourage us to tackle hard - we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player's journey.
"It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment. I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can't explain how much I have enjoyed it.
"He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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