Back in the day when mullets were just a questionable fashion choice rather than a hipster statement, former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer spotted a gem in Siya Kolisi. Meyer, who was at the helm when Kolisi made his Test debut in 2013, reminisces about the early signs that pointed to Siya not just being a player, but a potential pillar of leadership. It's not every day that a coach gets to say, "I told you so," but with Siya, Meyer might have earned that right.
Thrown into the fray against Scotland in Nelspruit, a 21-year-old Kolisi didn't just fill in; he shone, scooping the Man of the Match award as if he were collecting morning groceries. This debut was more than just a game—it was the dawn of a new era. "He was very popular from the start," Meyer shared, highlighting the blend of humility and authority that marked Siya's early days in green and gold.
"He quickly integrated with the senior players and held his own."
Under the tutelage of then-captain Jean de Villiers, Kolisi's leadership style began to take shape. Meyer observed the influence Jean had on Siya, noting, "He learned a lot from Jean, who later played a big role in Siya's career." The seeds of statesmanship were sown, and Meyer saw the sprouts early on.
Fast forward twelve years and Kolisi is gearing up for his 100th Test cap against France in Paris. It's a milestone that speaks volumes, not just about his skill and endurance, but about his role as a unifier both on and off the pitch.
"I'm incredibly proud of Siya, how he has developed as a captain and as an ambassador,"
Meyer commented, his pride palpable. He added, "He's always had a great feel for the game, and what makes him such a good captain is that he uses other players’ strengths and isn’t afraid to let them lead in other areas." Indeed, Kolisi's captaincy is not about leading from the front but from within, weaving the strengths of his teammates into a cohesive unit.
From a bright-eyed debutant to a centurion on the international stage, Siya Kolisi's journey is one of those heartwarming rugby tales that remind us why we love this game. And for Meyer, it's a sweet chapter in his coaching career, marked by the rise of a true rugby statesman.
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Back in the day when mullets were just a questionable fashion choice rather than a hipster statement, former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer spotted a gem in Siya Kolisi. Meyer, who was at the helm when Kolisi made his Test debut in 2013, reminisces about the early signs that pointed to Siya not just being a player, but a potential pillar of leadership. It's not every day that a coach gets to say, "I told you so," but with Siya, Meyer might have earned that right.
Thrown into the fray against Scotland in Nelspruit, a 21-year-old Kolisi didn't just fill in; he shone, scooping the Man of the Match award as if he were collecting morning groceries. This debut was more than just a game—it was the dawn of a new era. "He was very popular from the start," Meyer shared, highlighting the blend of humility and authority that marked Siya's early days in green and gold.
"He quickly integrated with the senior players and held his own."
Under the tutelage of then-captain Jean de Villiers, Kolisi's leadership style began to take shape. Meyer observed the influence Jean had on Siya, noting, "He learned a lot from Jean, who later played a big role in Siya's career." The seeds of statesmanship were sown, and Meyer saw the sprouts early on.
Fast forward twelve years and Kolisi is gearing up for his 100th Test cap against France in Paris. It's a milestone that speaks volumes, not just about his skill and endurance, but about his role as a unifier both on and off the pitch.
"I'm incredibly proud of Siya, how he has developed as a captain and as an ambassador,"
Meyer commented, his pride palpable. He added, "He's always had a great feel for the game, and what makes him such a good captain is that he uses other players’ strengths and isn’t afraid to let them lead in other areas." Indeed, Kolisi's captaincy is not about leading from the front but from within, weaving the strengths of his teammates into a cohesive unit.
From a bright-eyed debutant to a centurion on the international stage, Siya Kolisi's journey is one of those heartwarming rugby tales that remind us why we love this game. And for Meyer, it's a sweet chapter in his coaching career, marked by the rise of a true rugby statesman.