South Africa Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has urged his team to put their hearts on their sleeves as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday.
Speaking alongside assistant coach Mzwandile Stick at the pre-match media conference, Kolisi emphasized the importance of the match in the context of their Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign.
The Springboks have not tasted victory at the Suncorp Stadium since 2013, a statistic that Kolisi is determined to change as they look to build on a strong start to the season, which has seen them win three out of four Tests.
Despite the challenging history in Brisbane, Kolisi and his team are focused on delivering a strong performance.
“This is a very important match for us,” Kolisi said. “We haven’t done well in Brisbane in the past, and although we cannot win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship here, we can lose it here, so we have to do well this weekend.”
Kolisi stressed that the Springboks are not dwelling on past records but are instead concentrating on their game plan and the challenge ahead.
“We’ve worked hard since we arrived here, and we know what we are up against. Stressing about the record won’t help. Our focus is on what we must do on the field, and we know it’s going to be challenging.”
Assistant coach Stick echoed Kolisi’s sentiments, emphasizing that the Springboks are not concerned with historical records but are focused on improving their game and executing their plans effectively.
“If we place ourselves under pressure because of that, we’ll be on the wrong track. This week is about trying to improve on our game. So, we must pitch up with the right mindset, implement our plans well, and be effective in our execution.”
The Springboks will be fielding some fresh faces in the lineup, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (flyhalf) and Elrigh Louw (No. 8) making their first starts in green and gold.
Both Kolisi and Stick expressed confidence in the young talents, praising their skills and readiness for the challenge.
Stick highlighted Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s versatility and fearless approach to the game, noting that the young pivot is a player who is not afraid to make bold decisions.
Kolisi also expressed excitement about Louw’s debut, praising his strong performances in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and his ability to make a significant impact on the field.
As the Springboks gear up for the crucial encounter, Kolisi took a moment to acknowledge Women’s Day in South Africa, sending a special message to the women of the nation.
“Most of us were raised by women, and they should be celebrated every day. As men in sport, we can do so much more. I’d like to wish all the women a happy Women’s Day.”
The match, which kicks off at 06:45, will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with the Springboks looking to break their Brisbane hoodoo and continue their quest for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship title.
Source: SA Rugby
