Kolisi Looks Back on Rugby Championship Victory: “This Team Has Truly Impacted Our Nation”
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi commend their team for showcasing extraordinary resilience in clinching a dramatic 29-27 win over the Pumas during their final match of the Rugby Championship at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday. This triumph not only marked their second consecutive title but also underscored the considerable challenges ahead as they prepare for a rigorous tour in November.
The Boks mounted a remarkable comeback after falling behind 13-3 in the 25th minute, swiftly seizing a 15-13 lead shortly after the break. Despite a strong showing from Argentina in the latter half, they managed to secure a thrilling victory.
Erasmus and Kolisi celebrated the win while expressing gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support. Nonetheless, the Springbok coach provided a candid assessment of their performance, stating: “I’m pleased with the outcome and with reclaiming the Castle Lager Rugby Championship for the second consecutive time. This match was crucial for us, and while it may not have been our finest performance, I’d rather learn from our mistakes while winning than doing so in defeat.”
“We’re positioned well for the Rugby World Cup draw, yet we recognize that five challenging matches await us, and there’s much work ahead.”
“It’s important to recognize that Argentina has defeated Australia, New Zealand, and the British & Irish Lions, so we’ll celebrate this evening and glean the positives from this match.”
Erasmus and Kolisi emphasized their anticipation for a highly competitive match throughout the week. The coach stated: “We expected a tough contest, and it was clear that the players were fatigued by halftime. Argentina also played exceptionally well.”
“They adopted an open style of play, and we received a yellow card in the first half, along with several close decisions that could have altered the game’s dynamics. Still, they displayed remarkable determination and showed they could push themselves to the limit.”
Regarding halftime advice, Kolisi shared: “It was straightforward; we all echoed the same sentiment as the coaches. We needed to enhance our cohesion, minimize errors, and cut down on penalties.”
“That being said, full credit goes to Argentina. We knew they would approach the game fiercely, and their mentality was evident; we had to keep fighting until the final whistle.”
Reflecting on the team’s unique attributes, Kolisi remarked: “We know how to fight together and dig deep, which is thanks to coach Rassie for reshaping our mindset.”
“This team has achieved much for the nation, and I take pride in my teammates and coaches. They continually innovate, and we, as players, adapt and embrace those changes.”
“The Castle Lager Rugby Championship was intensely competitive, with anyone capable of winning. Winning the trophy for a second successive year is a monumental achievement for us and for our country, and we are profoundly grateful for all the support from fans in the stadium and those at home.”
