Siya Kolisi Reacts to Springboks’ Fighting Spirit Despite Early Red Card in Win Over Italy

• Siya Kolisi has reacted to South Africa's win over Italy in their fixture in the Autumn Nations Series international rugby union tie
• The Springboks captain hailed his teammate for the fighting spirit after being reduced by a man due to another red card
• The Boks fans shared their opinions on South Africa's performance against Azzuri on social media

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has commented on South Africa's win over Italy in their ongoing end-of-year tour.

The 34-year-old made his 100th Test cap in last weekend's win over France in Paris and was also included in the lineup to face the Azzurri.

Kolisi hails teammates after win over Italy

Kolisi explained after their win over Italy that the team has an exceptional ability to adapt in difficult on-field situations, noting they had already experienced similar challenges the previous week and once again had to make plans during the game because such moments are inevitable.

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He highlighted that the coaches had urged them to show their "Africanness", which to them means finding solutions despite obstacles, and he expressed gratitude for a coaching staff that prepares for every scenario, with even the non-playing members contributing ideas and buying into the decision-making.

Kolisi acknowledged that none of it is easy, saying that while they talk about sacrifices, seeing someone like Franco on the sidelines with visible pain in his eyes is tough.

Still, he admires how the team consistently stands up to fight, staying committed to giving everything within the four lines and focusing on what they can control.

Here is what rugby fans are saying about the Springboks' performance against Italy in Turin.

Carlo Geel said:

"Boys... It is what it is. Let's turn our attention to a long-overdue hiding of the Irish. Were the red cards fair? Of course not. Thank you, Bokke👏. The referees are trying to create fear and uncertainty in your abilities. Don't allow that. Move forward and keep your heads high💪"

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Jaco Lock wrote:

"Guess we will be playing Ireland with 12 men on the field next week and beating them. Thank you, World Rugby.🤣"

Theo Van Zijl commented:

"Against France, the Boks played for 41 minutes after a red card. Against Italy, the Boks played 68 minutes after a red card. Against Ireland, the Boks will get a red card during the singing of the National Anthem."

Will Le Roux reacted:

"Rassie, start the game against the Irish with 14 and place the 15th as an extra on the bench. Make statement."

Sonja Botha shared:

"I value true sportsmanship so much. Rugby unites cultures across the world, and the character shown on the field is something special. It always saddens me to see a player sent off with a red card when it’s not intentional foul play but simply momentum, commitment, and pure grit."

Mark Qcoleman added:

"Maybe the Bokke should play rugby 🏉, with American football opponents who wear helmets. I am a South African, and last weekend, Lood de Jager deserved a Yellow, upgraded to a RED. However, today's call over Mostert is absolutely atrocious, maybe a Yellow, and that's it. Mostert's first point of contact was on the chest, because the Italian player was tackled by another player, he was going to the ground."

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Springboks shine despite red card, crush Italy in convincing win

Erasmus on bold substitution vs France

Briefly News also reported that Eramus explained the reason behind his bold substitution in South Africa's victory over France.

The South African rugby coach decided to sub off some of the veterans of the team, including the captain, Siya Kolisi, who was making his 100th Test cap in the match.

Source: Briefly News