Siya Kolisi Makes Light of Leadership Milestone After Setting Springboks Record Against All Blacks

• Siya Kolisi set a new record as the most successful Springbok captain in history during the Soweto Test on Saturday
• The Springboks defeated the All Blacks 29-24 at FNB Stadium to take a 2-1 lead in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series
• Kolisi pointed to children who could not afford tickets as the driving reason behind bringing the Test to Soweto

Siya Kolisi brushed aside personal recognition after reaching a historic milestone in South African rugby, redirecting attention towards his teammates and coaching staff following the Springboks' 29-24 victory over the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday.

The win saw Kolisi surpass all previous Springbok captains to record his 55th Test victory in the role, but he refused to dwell on the achievement.

"If this were tennis, it would be different, but this is a team sport. It shows the work Rassie [Erasmus] and his coaching staff put in," Kolisi said after the match. "We've got so many leaders in this side that I really only have one job to do, which is focus on my own game."

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**Kolisi Credits Squad Rotation for Collective Success**

The result extended South Africa's lead in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series to 2-1, and Kolisi credited the depth and management of the squad as central to sustaining that form.

"The way the coaches rotate the team and give other guys opportunities keeps everyone hungry. If you don't get picked this week, you know your chance is coming. It also keeps us fresh so we're not overplayed. It's a group effort, and I'm really happy about that," he said.

Kolisi acknowledged that the Springboks were put under considerable pressure early in the match, noting the team had to battle its way back after a testing opening period.

"We were tested in that first 25 minutes; they came out firing, and we had to dig deep to fight our way back into it," he said. "We always say we won't just say thank you in words, but through our effort."

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**Soweto's Significance Weighs on Kolisi**

Beyond the result, Kolisi was visibly moved by what the occasion represented for the Soweto community. He referred to a moment highlighted by coach Rassie Erasmus, involving children who gathered alongside the road to catch a glimpse of the team bus despite being unable to afford match tickets.

"They can't afford to come and watch us play, but seeing that, and understanding the history of this place, the young people who fought so that we could be sitting here today, that's why we wanted this game here," Kolisi said. "That's what we play for, not just the people who can afford it, but everyone."

The Test at FNB Stadium marked a deliberate decision by the Springboks' management to bring a marquee fixture to Soweto, and for Kolisi, the community's response made the occasion as meaningful as the record it produced.

Source: Briefly News