I want to be the best I’ve ever been in a Springbok jersey - Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi emphasises the Springboks’ focus on self-improvement and playing to their highest standards as they prepare for a challenging Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
Despite the Springboks starting as overwhelming favourites for their Rugby Championship opener against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi is more focussed on playing the kind of rugby that won them the title in 2024.
The last time Australia beat South Africa at the famed venue in the heart of Johannesburg came 62 years ago.
Dating back to June 28, the Springboks have played four matches. The first was a 54-7 win against the Barbarians in Cape Town, before two victories (42-24 in Pretoria & 45-0 in Nelson Mandela Bay) over Italy before the 55-10 drubbing of Georgia in Nelspruit on July 19.
Since then, it’s been back to training for the Boks while the Wallabies played two of their final three Tests against the British and Irish Lions. Though Australia lost the series 2-1, they did win their final encounter in Sydney on August 2.
Kolisi Emphasises Springboks’ Focus on Self-Improvement Over Aussie Challenge
When asked about the challenge the Aussies would present the Springboks, Kolisi said: “For us, we don’t think like that. We think about our standards. And we obviously looked at the past four games that we played, and we were supposed to have an extra week of holiday, and we believe that we didn’t hit the standards that we wanted to hit,” said Kolisi.
“So, the focus has solely been on us, and we all know as players that we could have been much better in so many ways.”
Kolisi Prepares Springboks for a Bruising Battle Against Wallabies
One thing that Kolisi did allude to though, is that the Wallabies would have to brace themselves for a typically bruising battle against the Springboks.
“We’ve played far better than that, and been far more physical than that.
“So, the focus is solely on us and getting to the standards that we know as a team can get to. We focus on them and look at what they’ve done in the past, and also study their players, seeing what they can bring.
“But the most important thing is for me to go out there and be the best that I’ve ever been in the Springbok jersey.”