Rassie Erasmus, head coach of the South African national team, has stepped in to defend captain Siya Kolisi after Racing 92 owner Jacky Lorenzetti criticized Kolisi over his weight. When Racing lost to Bordeaux in the quarterfinals of the Top 14 competition, Lorenzetti said that Kolisi was “invisible” on the field and expressed his displeasure with his performance and physical appearance. But Erasmus was very supportive of the veteran leader when he was re-appointed captain for the forthcoming Test series against Ireland, Kolisi.
“Siya will continue as captain and play at six flank; he’s in top form,” Erasmus clarified, ignoring the accusations. Notably, in 2018, the legendary South African rugby player Kolisi achieved history by becoming the first black captain of the national test team. After a fruitful time with the national team—during which he was essential in achieving back-to-back World Cup victories—he moved to Racing last year.
Kolisi is still an integral part of South Africa’s lineup, even though he was unable to play in their most recent encounter against Wales owing to club obligations. He has had a lasting impact on the team’s dynamic, and his return to international action against Ireland represents a major milestone. Willie le Roux and Cheslin Kolbe, two important additions to the team before the first Test in Pretoria on July 6th, were both confirmed to be fit in Erasmus’s squad announcement for the Ireland series.
Erasmus said, “We’re managing the squad carefully,” bringing up Edwill van der Merwe, Makazole Mapimpi, and Faf de Klerk as potential players to be considered. Following Erasmus’s return to the leadership earlier this year, South Africa’s careful preparation is highlighted by the smart control of player fitness and availability.
Erasmus, looking ahead to the forthcoming test against Ireland—a side that has just defeated the Springboks—recognized the difficulty of the opposition. He admitted, “They’ve had the edge over us recently,” highlighting the team’s resolve to turn the tide after losing to Ireland in 2016.
Erasmus has shown his confidence in South Africa captain Kolisi’s leadership skills by standing firm behind him despite criticism from outside sources as the team gets ready to play Ireland in a much-anticipated series. An exciting fight is about to unfold as Kolisi and his squad try to reassert their supremacy and recover lost ground against strong opposition.
