In the fiery cauldron of Wellington's Sky Stadium, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi exemplified composure and respect amidst the fray against the All Blacks. Known for his calm demeanor, Kolisi managed to keep his cool during a heated exchange, which involved not just players but also staff from the opposing team.
The tension escalated when the All Blacks' physio, Martin Swan, intervened during a critical discussion led by referee Nika Amashukeli. The referee had just penalized the All Blacks for an off-the-ball tackle and was in the midst of addressing the team captains when Swan made his untimely entrance. Kolisi's response was both firm and polite, a rare blend in the heat of such moments. "Sir, get off. You are not the captain. Sir, you cannot do that," Kolisi directed at Swan, with the referee echoing his sentiment, appreciating Kolisi's intervention.
The incident unfolded after Amashukeli had to settle a scuffle, warning both teams of penalties for any further misconduct. During this, Kolisi assured the referee, "I will, I promise," when asked to control his team—a testament to his leadership and respect for the game's regulations.
"Sir, get off. You are not the captain."
The issue of non-players influencing the game has been a contentious topic. The rugby world has witnessed various instances where team staff have overstepped their roles during matches. Notably, former Springboks physio Rene Naylor and Rassie Erasmus have previously drawn criticism for their pitch-side manners, which even led to a revision in World Rugby's laws concerning off-field staff's conduct during games.
Similarly, during the 2024 Six Nations, Wales' kicking coach Neil Jenkins was rebuked by referee Mathieu Raynal after Jenkins challenged him over officiating decisions, leading Raynal to remind him sharply, "Your job is to carry the water." This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the boundaries of team staff during live play.
As rugby continues to evolve, the roles and conduct of those involved off the pitch remain under scrutiny, reinforcing the need for clarity and adherence to the spirit of the game. Meanwhile, leaders like Siya Kolisi continue to set high standards of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of the pressures of international rugby competition.
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In the fiery cauldron of Wellington's Sky Stadium, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi exemplified composure and respect amidst the fray against the All Blacks. Known for his calm demeanor, Kolisi managed to keep his cool during a heated exchange, which involved not just players but also staff from the opposing team.
The tension escalated when the All Blacks' physio, Martin Swan, intervened during a critical discussion led by referee Nika Amashukeli. The referee had just penalized the All Blacks for an off-the-ball tackle and was in the midst of addressing the team captains when Swan made his untimely entrance. Kolisi's response was both firm and polite, a rare blend in the heat of such moments. "Sir, get off. You are not the captain. Sir, you cannot do that," Kolisi directed at Swan, with the referee echoing his sentiment, appreciating Kolisi's intervention.
The incident unfolded after Amashukeli had to settle a scuffle, warning both teams of penalties for any further misconduct. During this, Kolisi assured the referee, "I will, I promise," when asked to control his team—a testament to his leadership and respect for the game's regulations.
"Sir, get off. You are not the captain."
The issue of non-players influencing the game has been a contentious topic. The rugby world has witnessed various instances where team staff have overstepped their roles during matches. Notably, former Springboks physio Rene Naylor and Rassie Erasmus have previously drawn criticism for their pitch-side manners, which even led to a revision in World Rugby's laws concerning off-field staff's conduct during games.
Similarly, during the 2024 Six Nations, Wales' kicking coach Neil Jenkins was rebuked by referee Mathieu Raynal after Jenkins challenged him over officiating decisions, leading Raynal to remind him sharply, "Your job is to carry the water." This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about the boundaries of team staff during live play.
As rugby continues to evolve, the roles and conduct of those involved off the pitch remain under scrutiny, reinforcing the need for clarity and adherence to the spirit of the game. Meanwhile, leaders like Siya Kolisi continue to set high standards of respect and sportsmanship, regardless of the pressures of international rugby competition.