Bok captain Kolisi primed for the All Blacks at ‘special’ Mbombela Stadium

06 August 2022 - 10:50 By MAHLATSE MPHAHLELE IN MBOMBELA
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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is looking forward to playing at Mbombela Stadium where he made his debut in 2013 against Scotland.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is looking forward to playing at Mbombela Stadium where he made his debut in 2013 against Scotland.
Image: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images)

The last time Siya Kolisi played at the Mbombela Stadium for the Springboks he was a starry-eyed 22-year-old making his international debut in 2013 against Scotland.

He was called into action early in the game to replace an injured Arno Botha after five minutes and he gave an inspired performance, being named man-of-the-match in the Springboks’ 30—17 win.

A lot has changed for the boy from Zwide in Port Elizabeth as he went on to become the Springboks’ first black captain and also led the team to their third Rugby World Cup title in 2019.

Almost a decade on from his debut, Kolisi is back at the venue that has a special place in his heart as the Springboks look to register their first home win over the All Blacks in eight years in their much-anticipated Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.

“It’s been a journey and that was the game I will never forget because it was very special for me,” he said when asked to reflect on his debut nine years ago.

“It’s been a journey with lots of ups and downs but I would not change it for anything. It is a special stadium for me and hopefully I can play as best as I can and hopefully get the win on the day.”

Kolisi said it is important for the team to get the better of the wounded All Blacks and get their Rugby Championship campaign off to a good start.

“The most important thing is that we just want to win at home as this group, because it’s been eight years. It is unbelievable that we have won the World Cup but we haven’t beaten the All Blacks at home in eight years.”

The All Blacks arrived in the country under pressure after back to back defeats to Ireland but Kolisi has cautioned that they can’t be underestimated because they have experienced players.

“It’s going to be tough game for both teams for but I am looking forward to the challenge. Coach Mzwandile Stick said last year we were at the same place where New Zealand are at the moment.

“We lost two games against Australia and the third one against New Zealand and we had to fight and find our way back, it’s a similar thing. It takes a day for people to change the whole team’s mentality.

“That’s why I know they will be up for the game and that’s why we have been focused on what we are going to do and not too much on them and what they have gone through recently.”

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