As the Springbok team gears up for their pivotal encounter against the All Blacks in Wellington, New Zealand, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi remains calm amidst the heavy expectations. The importance of this match cannot be overstated; the Boks need a victory to stay in the hunt for the Rugby Championship title and to retain the coveted Freedom Cup. However, Kolisi is steadfast in his approach, opting to alleviate any added pressure on his teammates.
In a candid interview, Kolisi reassured fans and critics alike that the Springboks’ preparations will not vary based on the opponent or the occasion. “We have to also keep our heads, it is the same as you play in a World Cup final,” he said. “You don’t do preparations different to any game; you prepare exactly the same, so nothing has changed our way.”
This philosophy stems from Kolisi’s extensive experience, having been part of numerous Springbok victories over the years. He knows that handling pressure is a crucial part of the game, especially against a formidable opponent like New Zealand. “We know how much pressure there is in the game already, so we don’t need to add any more,” he added. “We have prepared properly.”
The Springboks’ strategy is streamlined and consistent, with an organised leadership structure as Kolisi highlighted the responsibility assigned to his fellow teammates. He emphasised the importance of Sasha taking charge, along with Ruan and Lood overseeing the lineouts, while reassuring that their gameplay remains routine and not extraordinary: “Nothing has been done that is special or out of the norm because we have never done anything different to any game that we have won before or any big game that we have played in.”
As kick-off approaches, the Springboks remain focused and ready to tackle this critical hurdle in their Rugby Championship campaign, prioritising their well-established processes over the weight of expectations.