Siya Kolisi praises Springboks fight and preparedness for any situation | rugby
South Africa’s captain Siya Kolisi lauded the Springboks’ resilience and readiness to improvise after a gritty win over Italy, achieved despite playing almost the entire match a man short. Reduced to 14 players just 11 minutes in, the Boks still found a way to control the contest and close it out with authority.
The early flashpoint came when Franco Mostert was shown a permanent red card for shoulder-to-head contact in a tackle. It was a scenario the side knew all too well: only a week earlier, against France in Paris, Lood de Jager had also been dismissed. Remarkably, South Africa navigated both tests and emerged victorious both times.
Kolisi highlighted how the group has leaned into contingency planning and on-field adaptability. The team, he explained, has made a habit of preparing for every curveball — from card situations to enforced reshuffles — and adjusting plans in real time. That collective mindset isn’t limited to the matchday XV; squad members not in the lineup remain deeply engaged, feeding ideas and supporting tactical tweaks so that the group can act decisively when circumstances shift.
He also acknowledged the emotional strain of playing short-handed and the human cost behind the cards. While the Boks pride themselves on embracing pressure and fighting for every moment between the touchlines, Kolisi noted the visible disappointment for Mostert and the impact such incidents have on individuals. The team’s response, he suggested, is to double down on effort, simplify their focus, and control the controllables.
That resolve was evident against Italy. With one fewer forward, South Africa tightened their structures, prioritized territory, and leaned on discipline to manage the tempo. The attack became more pragmatic, the breakdown more selective, and the defensive system more connected — a threaded, collective effort rather than a series of isolated moments.
Kolisi also spoke about a broader identity underpinning the Springboks’ approach: a deep-rooted willingness to “make a plan” when the road gets bumpy. It’s a theme that has been encouraged throughout the camp, reinforced by a coaching staff that drills different scenarios and relentlessly stress-tests combinations so no one feels surprised when adversity arrives. That cultural emphasis — improvisation married with preparation — continues to be a defining edge.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus cut a visibly frustrated figure after the final whistle, particularly around the officiating landscape, but stopped short of publicly escalating the issue. The message from the setup seemed clear: let the pictures speak for themselves, keep emotions in check, and push forward.
In back-to-back weeks, South Africa have absorbed early setbacks and still stamped their authority on the scoreboard. Those outcomes not only deliver wins but also harden the team for what lies ahead. Playing with 14 for extended stretches forces clarity — about roles, communication, and where to take calculated risks — and it has sharpened the Boks’ problem-solving instincts.
As the calendar moves on, the Springboks will hope to avoid further cards, yet these trials have forged added steel in the group. With leaders like Kolisi demanding composure and intent, a coaching team plotting for every eventuality, and a squad that buys into solutions even from the bench, South Africa have shown they can bend without breaking — and, crucially, still find a way to win.
