Siya Kolisi sends powerful message to South Africa ahead of All Blacks Test
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Skipper.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has delivered a powerful message to South Africa ahead of Saturday’s third Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
South Africa and New Zealand head to Soweto with Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry locked at 1-1 following the opening two Tests, with the Springboks looking to build on their 33-26 victory in Cape Town last weekend.
For Kolisi, however, the significance of playing at FNB Stadium stretches far beyond rugby.
Speaking ahead of the Test, the Springboks skipper reflected on the sacrifices made by the people of Soweto and the generations whose struggles helped secure the freedoms enjoyed by South Africans today.
“We’re thankful for the people connected to that place who fought for the freedom that lets me and him [assistant coach Mzwandile Stick] sit here today,” Kolisi said.
“Giving our best tomorrow, and using every opportunity we get, is part of us saying thank you.”
Kolisi also spoke about the deep connection between the famous stadium and the surrounding community, including its rich footballing history.
The Springboks captain described seeing homeless residents rise to cheer as the team bus passes through the area and locals giving up what little they have to allow others to watch the game.
“It hasn’t always gone our way in Soweto; we didn’t win the first time we played here, but the numbers that show up at the stadium, and the vibe inside it, we feel it,” Kolisi added.
“We hope we can give them a good memory, not just with words but with our efforts tomorrow.”
The comments come ahead of another huge chapter in the rivalry, with the four-Test series finely poised following an All Blacks victory in the opening Test and South Africa’s response in Cape Town.
Victory at FNB Stadium would put either side 2-1 ahead before the fourth and final Test of the series in Baltimore next Saturday.
