Siya Kolisi Explains Why Springboks Won’t Underestimate Wales Despite Being Favourites

• Siya Kolisi has shared his thoughts ahead of the Springboks' clash with Wales in Cardiff this weekend
• The Springboks captain explained why the reigning rugby World Cup champions would not underestimate Wales despite being the favourites going into the match
• Coach Mzwandile Stick also aired his views concerning the match, agreeing with what Siya said

The Springboks aim to end their unbeaten end-of-year tour on a high when they face Wales at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium on Saturday, 29 November 2025, captain Siya Kolisi said.

The 34-year-old has been a major member of Rassie Erasmus’ team since the start of the tour, and the Springboks are currently unbeaten. They defeated Argentina at Wembley Stadium, France at the Stade de France in Paris, the match Siya made his 100th Test cap, Italy in Turin, and Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Kolisi reacts ahead of Wales clash

Read also

Siya Kolisi humble after Springboks’ Wales win, praises his teammates

Kolisi said that his team prepares for every game in the same way and treats every opponent equally, although this group does not have a strong record against Wales in Cardiff.

He acknowledged the toughness of the Welsh team and reflected on the Springboks’ own challenges, recalling how, in 2015, many players retired at once, leading to transitional seasons in 2016 and 2017 before coaches Rassie Erasmus, Mzwandile Stick, and others joined and began implementing changes.

He added that every team goes through such periods but praised his own team for continuously adapting while maintaining their desire to win. Kolisi said they expect Wales to challenge them strongly this weekend, and that the Springboks are looking forward to the game and will give it their all.

He also noted that everyone had seen how well Wales played the previous weekend, pointing out that New Zealand only pulled away late in the game, and emphasised that his team will need to start with intensity while playing to their own standards.

Mzwandile Stick echoed Kolisi’s sentiments about Wales, saying they are expecting a tough game. He noted that it has been a long tour, but the most important thing is to finish strongly. Stick added that the team probably won’t be together for the next six to seven months, so they want to make the most of this opportunity.

Read also

Rassie Erasmus applauds Springboks pair after performance against Wales

He also pointed out that many of Wales’ younger players are getting chances to impress their coaches and will give everything they have. Stick referenced their earlier game against the All Blacks, noting that even around the 50th minute, Wales were still competitive.

He emphasised that the Springboks cannot take anything for granted or underestimate their opponents, describing Wales as a proud and physical nation, which will make the game very tough.

Commenting on Duane Vermeulen, who has been involved in the Springbok coaching setup as one of SA Rugby’s Mobi-unit coaches and is officially on standby in case of a player injury before the match, Kolisi said it is good to have him as a coach.

Kolisi added that even at 39 years old, training against Vermeulen remains valuable because he can still set a maul, hit the rucks hard, and challenge the players at the breakdowns. He also noted that Vermeulen now has the opportunity to play this weekend if needed, serving as a reminder that he can still perform at the highest level.

Kolisi praised him for having played for the team and done it all, saying it is great to learn from him

Read also

Rassie Erasmus reveals why clash against Wales in Cardiff is a must-win for the Springboks

Kolisi appreciates his biggest supporter

Briefly News also reported that Kolisi took time to appreciate his biggest supporter after hitting a new milestone with the Springboks.

The Boks captain led his team to victory against France in Paris, where he reached a milestone of 100th Test cap.

Source: Briefly News