Even though he’s such a powerful symbol of South African culture now, Siya Kolisi had no idea that a significant milestone is being reached at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The Springbok squad to face the Scots will feature the most players of colour ever in the famous dark green jersey – nine in all. The captain, the first Xhosa to skipper South Africa, didn’t even realise.
‘People don’t talk about it when it’s going well’
👍 Another training week done! #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #SCOvRSA pic.twitter.com/50cECF7hjv
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 12, 2021
“I didn’t even know that!” said Kolisi. “That is really huge. People don’t really talk about it when it’s going well, it’s only when it’s not happening.
“I’m really proud of that and hopefully we can get better and better by performing well and getting opportunities.”
The South African team properly reflecting their entire nation has always been an aim of the current management team, said Kolisi.
“When coach Rassie [Erasmus] came in with Jacques [Nienaber] and coach [Mzwandile] Stick, they were the first coaches to speak openly about it,” he said. “They said ‘this has to change and it is part of the team’s goals. We’re going to consistently work on it and check on it’.
“There’s been no back door chats. He speaks to us in front of the whole team: ‘this is how we’re going to go and affect people’.
“We’ve got a platform and can be ourselves, and I love that. It’s not only the numbers, it’s actually everything.
“Yes, I’m the captain of the team, and everyone sees that from the outside. But inside there are many leaders. Each and every single guy in this team has a role to play and I love that because everybody has a voice.”
‘They let me know when my head is getting too big’
🇿🇦 The Springbok team that will face Scotland in Edinburgh tomorrow, a special day for @jessekriel15 and @franco_mostert. #StrongerTogether #StrongerForever #SCOvRSA pic.twitter.com/fbAYvSaBTs
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 12, 2021
But Kolisi is different as captain of the world champions, and he admits he needs his team-mates to keep him humble.
“They let me know when my head is getting too big,” he said. “It has happened at times. We’re all human beings and you feel good and talk about yourself. So, it is good to have people around that keep me in check.
“Playing in this team is such a huge honour and privilege. The thought process is always ‘how can I use this to help others?’
“It is about speaking up about inequality – we’re from one of the most unequal countries in the world – and what I can do as a person to make a difference?
“It is about what we do back with our community, being able to do that with my team-mates and the coaching staff, through what we achieved at the World Cup.”
Kolisi has been impressed with Scotland’s development since he made his debut against them in Nelspruit in 2013. The recalled Matt Scott is only Scottish survivor from that game.
Memories of first cap against Scotland
Excited to be an agent of change building momentum for #DrawTheLine campaign!
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— Siya Kolisi (@SiyaKolisi) May 17, 2021
“It was the first time my Dad came to see me play,” he recalled. “I always want to play well in every single game, but it is always great playing against Scotland because that memory lasts with me forever.
“They are the strongest Scotland side I’ve seen. They had an advantage at the set piece against Australia, even on opposition scrums they were very good. That’s something we pride ourselves on as well.
“They took their opportunities very well. They play without fear which is great so I’m looking forward to that. They have a very good running game and a very good kicking game.
“We are going to be challenged all around in the game.”