‘We play for the nation’: Kolisi on Springboks’ comeback win over France

Captain Siya Kolisi watched on from the sidelines as the Springboks looked to close out their thrilling Rugby World Cup quarter-final against tournament hosts Frace on Sunday evening. It was an all-time classic, but there could only be one winner.

With the Test in the balance, Kolisi was replaced early in the second term. The skippers’ night was over but the Springboks’ still had a job to do against a confident French outfit.

French fullback Thomas Ramos extended the hosts’ lead to six points with a penalty goal shortly after Kolisi was replaced, but it was practically all South Africa from there. Lock Eben Etzebeth scored a decisive try with 13 minutes to play which allowed Handre Pollard to convert the go-ahead points.

Pollard and Ramos traded penalties which saw the Boks lead by just one point with seven minutes to play. There were some big plays, and Kolisi was pretty animated on the sidelines as the full-time siren began to warm up.

France had their moments, but the reigning world champions were simply too good in the end. Without their inspirational skipper on the field, the Springboks held on for a historic comeback win.

"I just thought we really wanted it,” Kolisi said on the field after the one-point win. “We knew how tough it was going to be.

“I must give credit to the guys that came off the bench, they made a huge difference. And the guys that didn't play, the pictures they showed us, so we were ready for this game.

"And most importantly, the people back at home. Honestly, the support that we've received. You know, they can't afford to be here but the videos, the schools singing for us and the videos. That's who we play for. You know our families that are here right now.

"We play for the nation, it's not about us on this field any more, it's about the people back home and that's what's driving us. Win or lose they will see this kind of fight that you saw out there today."

Kolisi appeared more nervous, excited and frustrated as the Test went on. The match was an emotional roller coaster as the clock ticked closer and closer to the 80-minute mark, but the overwhelming feeling in the stadium was anxiousness.

There was a palpable feeling of nerves, excitement and surprise from both French and South African fans. This quarter-final had everything and it’ll surely go down in history as one of the greats.

"It was a hard game. We knew how tough it was going to be with the French team at home and honestly, I just want to say well done to them for what they've achieved and how hard they've worked,” Kolisi added.

“And also to the supporters, the people of France, it's been an amazing tournament and they can be proud of this team."