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Siya Kolisi has called for a complete Springboks performance as South Africa prepares to face Wales in Cardiff.
South Africa’s double World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has set his sights on a fitting finale to what he describes as a “special year” for the Springboks.
As his team prepares to take on a struggling Wales side in Cardiff, Kolisi believes the reigning world champions have one last opportunity to showcase their true potential in 2024.
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Kolisi, who led the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 and again in 2023, is not satisfied with merely winning games.
“It’s been a special year and hopefully we can make it even more special with this last game,” said Kolisi in an interview with BBC.
“We want to make sure we get a better performance. In the last few games, we’ve got the win but did not achieve what we wanted, which is a more complete performance.”
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The Springboks have enjoyed a phenomenal year, claiming the Rugby Championship title and winning 14 of their last 16 Test matches.
Their European tour has also been successful, with dominant victories over Scotland (35-12) and England (29-20).
Yet, Kolisi insists there is room for improvement as South Africa looks to close out the year with a flourish at the Principality Stadium.
Wales, by contrast, find themselves in a dark chapter of their rugby history.
Under head coach Warren Gatland, they have endured a record-breaking 11-match losing streak in 2024.
With only 334 caps in their starting lineup compared to South Africa’s 638, the Welsh team’s lack of experience is stark.
Kolisi, however, was quick to show respect for his opponents and their embattled coach.
“No player or coaches train to lose, and I feel for them,” Kolisi said.
“I know they will get out of it. If anybody can get them out of it, it’s coach Gatland. He has given a lot of new guys opportunities. It’s a new team. Things like that take time, and the more they play, the better they will get because it’s giving them a lot of experience.”
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Kolisi’s empathy for the Welsh plight is rooted in his own journey as a leader during the Springboks' struggles in years past.
Despite the gulf in form and experience between the two teams, he remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of unity in adversity.
“The way people still support the team and come out in numbers is special,” Kolisi remarked.
“You feel the pride here because they love the team, and that’s the sort of passion you want. When you go through a tough time as a playing group, the people go through those tough times with you.”
The Springboks have bolstered their ranks for Saturday’s clash by bringing the talismanic lock Eben Etzebeth into the starting XV. With 107 caps, Etzebeth adds significant experience to a pack already brimming with seasoned World Cup winners.
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The 33-year-old lock replaces Jean Kleyn, while flanker Marco van Staden joins the bench, further strengthening South Africa’s options.
Kolisi is acutely aware of the challenge posed by Wales, despite their recent struggles.
Reflecting on the Welsh forwards’ performance in last week’s heavy defeat to Australia, he said :“It’s hard to beat them, and a lot of us have been beaten here a couple of times.
"I know what the score was last week, but their forwards got five scrum penalties. They have a pack that can fight.”
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