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Siya Kolisi's bold Super Rugby claim in wake of South Africa's World Cup success
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi believes South Africa’s recent successes in New Zealand could have positively impact the country’s flailing Super Rugby sides.
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The Lions, Stormers, Sharks and Bulls have battled for ascendency on Kiwi shores throughout Super Rugby history with long-haul travel and unfavourable time zones working against the South African franchises.
However, the Springboks have turned the tables in recent years, defeating the All Blacks 36-34 in Wellington two years ago before securing a last-gasp 16-all draw in the New Zealand capital last year.
Schalk Brits | Bringing home gold
Speaking to Sport24, Kolisi said that the reigning world champions’ efforts in New Zealand should provide inspiration for a nation which is entering its tenth years without a Super Rugby title.
“All these games are about mentality,” Kolisi, who also captains the Stormers, said.
“You want to go there and say you’re going to win all the games, I think that should be the attitude.
“Us winning that game in Wellington gave us that mentality.
“When we go on tour, we want to win every game. We don’t want to aim for this one or that one.
“In most of the teams I’ve played for in the past, you already lose before you get off the plane because you’re choosing which games you’re going to win.”
Cory Jane was certainly a fine player, but less than three years removed from his last game as a Hurricane, the ex-All Blacks wing is pretty green in coaching terms.https://t.co/3epVfUIE0M
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 17, 2020
The 2018 victory over the All Blacks, which came early in Kolisi’s tenure as Springboks captain under the stewardship of then-newly instated coach Rassie Erasmus, is credited with installing South Africa with the confidence and momentum that propelled them to their third World Cup crown in Japan.
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Some may be concerned that South Africa’s World Cup winners could fall victims to a post-World Cup hangover, but Kolisi doesn’t think that’s the case.
The 28-year-old also believes that a changing of the guard in New Zealand’s playing and coaching ranks should provide plenty of motivation for the country’s Super Rugby clubs.
“I have played against New Zealand teams many times and they have always pitched up and I don’t think much is going to change there,” he told Sport24.
“I think what will motivate the guys to play is that some have left so there are open spaces, and everyone will want to perform.”
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