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Siya Kolisi faces a challenging role on the bench as the Springboks prepare to battle Scotland, with heartbreak and personal struggles casting a shadow over South Africa’s iconic captain.
South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi will experience a new role this weekend as he takes a place among the reserves for the Springboks' tour opener against Scotland at Murrayfield.
The decision by veteran coach Rassie Erasmus to place Kolisi on the bench rather than the starting lineup has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike, especially in the wake of recent reports regarding Kolisi’s personal life and separation from his wife, Rachel.
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09:00 - 08.11.2024
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In a surprising move, Erasmus has chosen to lean heavily on a forward-focused strategy, with seven forwards among the eight replacements, in a tactical play that aims to wear down the Scottish side in the latter stages of the game.
“Scotland’s a team that never stop fighting,” Erasmus said, hinting at the necessity of a late-game surge as per AFP.
“We know it’s going to be an 80-minute battle.”
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The decision to keep Kolisi on the bench has been met with mixed reactions.
For some, Kolisi's presence on the field as captain brings a level of inspiration that transcends any strategic play. T
he Springboks’ victory at the 2019 and 2023 World Cups under Kolisi's leadership solidified him as a symbol of resilience, strength, and unity in South Africa—a sentiment fans feel they could use more than ever.
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However, Erasmus has handed the captaincy to lock Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most-capped player, who will extend his record to 129 Tests this Sunday.
Etzebeth’s leadership will aim to steady the side as they target a successful northern hemisphere tour to end 2024.
This weekend's match holds weight for Kolisi personally and professionally.
After an intense year on and off the field, where his physical and emotional endurance has been tested, his role in this match is symbolic of a different sort of resilience.
Reports about Kolisi’s separation from his wife, Rachel, have only added to the strain, with fans aware that he’s facing a moment of emotional upheaval.
Meanwhile, Erasmus has made significant adjustments to the starting team, with 11 changes from the squad that triumphed over Argentina with a 48-7 victory in their closing Rugby Championship game.
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Scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse is the only back to keep his place from that lineup, with full-back Willie le Roux, wings Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie and half-backs Andre Esterhuizen and Handre Pollard rounding out the backline.
The Springboks’ plan is to strike a balance between experience and experimentation, hoping the seasoned players in their ranks can counter Scotland's newfound attacking flair.
Scotland, coming off a morale-boosting 57-17 win over Fiji, will bring a revitalized team to Murrayfield.
Gregor Townsend’s squad has seen the addition of Tom Jordan at full-back for his first start, alongside the return of Blair Kinghorn, Toulon’s scrum-half Ben White, and Bath’s Finn Russell.
Erasmus believes that the Scottish side poses a unique challenge.
“In the Rugby World Cup last year, we were only three points up against them at half-time,” Erasmus said, hinting at the “epic battle” ahead.
“With the new dynamic they have brought to their game, we know it’s going to be an 80-minute battle.”
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16:20 - 06.11.2024
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The Springboks’ northern hemisphere tour opener is set to test both physical and emotional limits.
Kolisi’s time on the bench likely to unfold amidst cheers and whispers from the stands will be an image of resilience, echoing his journey beyond the field.
Springbok team:
Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Lukhanyo Am, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Jaden Hendrikse, Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth (captain), Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenkamp, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Grant Williams
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