Dan Biggar makes huge Siya Kolisi claim after Springboks beat All Blacks
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Skipper.
Dan Biggar believes Siya Kolisi has put himself in a category alongside the greatest captains international rugby has seen following another major Springbok triumph.
The former Wales out-half singled out Kolisi after South Africa recovered from losing the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry to claim the series 3-1.
It prompted Biggar to draw a comparison with legendary All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw when discussing the impact Kolisi has had during South Africa’s remarkable period of success, claiming he has now overtaken the New Zealander.
“McCaw was amazing and everything, but it’s hard to see how there’s a better international captain that we’ve seen,” Biggar said on The Rugby Pod.
Kolisi’s latest success adds to a remarkable record as Springbok captain, which already includes lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and 2023 and leading South Africa to victory over the British & Irish Lions in 2021.
He has now also overtaken John Smit for the most Test victories as Springbok captain, reaching 56 wins during the series against New Zealand.
What particularly stood out to Biggar was the difference between the opening Test and what followed.
Kolisi was unavailable for the 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park while recovering from a hamstring injury, before returning as the Boks reeled off victories in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore.
“There are people who say: ‘Siya’s not the best player’ and all that. I thought he was amazing as a player, but it just goes to show the influence he’s got and all of those things they’ve achieved, he’s been captain of,” Biggar said.
South Africa’s victory over their greatest rivals leaves Kolisi with another significant series win on an already extraordinary list of achievements as captain.
