Springboks' Siya Kolisi steers clear of sideshows ahead of battle with wounded Argentina

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi has been around the block too many times to let his team be distracted by the prospect of making history at Twickenham on Saturday.

If the Boks beat Argentina in the final match of this year’s Rugby Championship, they will secure the title for a second successive year – a feat never before achieved.

But Kolisi, a veteran of 97 Test matches for the Springboks, is steering the conversation away from milestones and focusing instead on the challenge of the feisty South Americans.

“It would be a big thing (winning the Championship), but first we have to play the Test match,” he cautioned. “We know how tough that game in Durban actually was. We have to stay focused on the moment and what is in front of us.

“We can’t control the result, but we can make sure we play as hard as possible. The magnitude of what is at stake doesn’t change the way we approach the game or how we will play.

“We know exactly what we want to do, so we are looking forward to the battle. What comes after, we will have to see.”

Kolisi stressed that Springbok players have the same level of motivation whenever they take the field, regardless of the occasion.

“There are a lot of things we are excited about, but when you put on the Springbok jersey, you want to make sure you honour it in every single thing you do.

“Now is not the time to be thinking about all these records. We must focus on the performance. We can’t think too far ahead – we must just do the job tomorrow.”

With the match being played in London, the Boks are expecting a strong turnout from expatriate South Africans.

“It is only an advantage if we make use of it,” Kolisi said. “I don’t know how big it will be because there are Argentines all over the world, and it doesn’t matter what numbers they are in – you will definitely hear them the whole game.”

The Boks have won their last four games at Twickenham, but again Kolisi downplayed talk of any advantage.

“We can’t think too much about our previous wins at Twickenham. It is a whole new year. We have to make sure we create good new memories on Saturday.

“We are looking forward to seeing South Africans. Hopefully, they come out in numbers. We have been blessed wherever we have been – all around the world, South Africans support us. Hopefully, it will be the same, and we can do the job for them.”

Kolisi is certain the Pumas will come out firing after being humbled 67-30 at Kings Park.

“They have a lot of fight, and their discipline has improved from previous years. They are consistent in their play.

“In broken play, they are excellent at taking their opportunities. I watched them against New Zealand and Australia, attacking from their own goal line to score. You have to be alert at all times.

“They are professionals. They did not take a break after playing in Australia; they came straight to South Africa and did not go home to visit their families.

“You can see how connected and united they are as a team in everything that happens on the field. If there is a scuffle, they are there as a group. They have been very impressive this year.”