‘Uncle Siya!’ Siya Kolisi Shares Heartwarming Moment With Ardie Savea’s Daughter
- The Springboks narrowly lost to the All Blacks at Eden Park, despite a late rally
- After the match, Siya Kolisi and Jesse Kriel shared a heartwarming moment with Ardie Savea and his daughter, showing respect beyond the rivalry
- Off-field friendship between Kolisi and Savea remains strong, highlighting the humanity behind one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries
The Springboks fought a resilient battle on Saturday, 6 September 2025, against the All Blacks at Eden Park. Unfortunately, on a day when luckcongratulate was not on their side, their last-minute effort was not enough to salvage a draw in a match they lost 24-17.
Source: Getty Images
With bruised egos and broken hearts, once the tension subsided, there was a heartwarming moment between the two sets of players, especially between regular captain Siya Kolisi, the captain of the day Jesse Kriel, and All Blacks star Ardie Savea.
The two Boks went over to congratulate Savea, who played his 100th Test match on Saturday. Savea delivered a performance befitting the occasion and was a linchpin throughout the match.
As Kriel congratulated Savea, the Kiwi icon’s daughter enthusiastically greeted Kolisi with a cheerful “Uncle Siya!” In a beautiful moment that highlighted the humanity in sports beyond rivalries, Siya lifted her and had a casual chat, asking how she was doing.
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“Look how big you are. Are you proud of Daddy?" Kolisi said with a beaming smile.
Thereafter, Siya and Ardie shared an embrace as Kolisi presented him with a signed Springboks jersey, a moment that seemed to diffuse the tension that had been palpable during one of rugby’s most intense rivalries.
Source: Getty Images
What has Ardie said about Siya before?
Savea has been vocal about his off-field relationship with the South African captain, describing it as a brotherhood.
Watch the heartwarming moment below:
“I always try to smash Siya because he is a good mate of mine,” Savea said in an interview last year. Leading up to the Test, Kolisi echoed the sentiment, saying their feelings were mutual.
Have a look at the clip of Ardie speaking about his friendship with Siya.
He added that it was not hidden that they were very good friends off the field, got along well, and kept in touch all the time. He explained that they respected each other greatly, especially on the field, and he wanted to give his all when playing against him.
Kolisi also noted that this dynamic reflected the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand: they gave everything on the field but showed mutual respect afterwards. Over the years, he said, he and Ardie had grown closer and had become good mates.
Look at the picture below:
The beautiful moment after the final whistle painted a vivid picture that, beyond the fierce battles on the rugby field, humanity and enduring friendships are on full display.
On Saturday, 13 September, in Wellington, the two rivals will meet again for the second round, with revenge clearly on the minds of Kolisi and his boys.
Springboks legend advises Erasmus
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff urged coach Rassie Erasmus to reassess the team’s playing style as South Africa prepares to face the All Blacks at Eden Park on 6 September.
Erasmus named a full-strength squad packed with experience, to be captained by Jesse Kriel, while regular skipper Siya Kolisi will take on a different role, playing at number 8.
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Source: Briefly News
