“ON A day like today (Saturday), having to leave the field was a fitting example of putting the team first. When coach Rassie came to ask me, it was a case of putting the emotion aside because the team comes first, and I applaud them for the way they fought.”
Those are the remarks from winning Springboks captain Siyamthanda Kolisi, following a hard-fought win 32-17 against the stubborn France on Saturday evening, in Paris.
The Zwide born Kolisi, played in his 100th Test, making him the ninth Springbok centurion in history, who had to sacrifice himself following a red card to Lood de Jager in the late first half.
“I must give credit to the team, they really played well, and I’m proud of them and our coaching staff for making plans and not panicking. That’s what makes this team special,” said Siya, who was air-lifted by both towering teammates De Jager and friend Eben Etzebeth.
SA, playing the entire second half with only 14 players, had to dig deep and scored three tries in the final 20 minutes.
Dr Rassie Erasmus also guided the team in his 50th Test as head-coach.
“It was probably close to midnight at home (when the final whistle sounded), so thank you to the people who stayed up and watched the game – we play for them and for South Africa,” said Erasmus.
“I also want to say thank you to our captain, who was taken off because Andre (Esterhuizen) can play loose forward and centre, which was a tough call. But when I told him, he just took it on the chin and understood.
“Boan (Venter) also came off early in the match because he has to get used to the intensity of these matches, although I thought he went really well.
“I think the guys who started probably softened up the opposition, and then the bench could go and finish it. Even when Manie (Libbok) came on and Sasha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) went to fullback, I thought everybody had a good impact.
“That comes from the players understanding that it’s a 23-man effort, and the coaches made good plans, which made it easier for the players who came on from the bench,” remarked the winning coach.
Kolisi also had a few special words for his coach, saying: “Today was his 50th game as head coach, and he never made it about him this week. It was all about the team.
“So, thank you, Coach, for all that you do for us. You have no idea what you’ve done, not just in rugby terms, but in the mindset in which we see each other and our country.
“When you speak, we take so much from you, so thank you for all that you do. We really appreciate it.”
The game also saw the French and former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry in attendance, who has created a good relationship with some Boks players, especially Kolisi.
The RWC next assignment is against Italy-November 15, Ireland- 22 and Wales on 29.
Image provided (Brotherly love. Emotional Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu having a celebratory moment with his captain Siya Kolisi, after beating the French in Paris, on Saturday evening).
