As Siya Kolisi gears up for his 100th Test appearance in the vibrant green and gold of the Springboks, coaches Robbie Fleck and John Dobson have stepped up to laud the profound impact and evolution of this rugby maestro. Joining the ranks of rugby royalty like Percy Montgomery and Bryan Habana, Kolisi isn't just hitting a number; he's marking an era.
Fleck, who was pivotal in introducing Kolisi at the Stormers, reflects on the early days of a raw talent who brought a new definition to physicality on the field. “He came to us as a blindside and an eight,” Fleck reminisced. “At that stage, he was still learning to get to grips with being an openside because we were so well-stocked there at the time. But he came in as a blindside because he could carry so well; he was effective in that because the biggest part of his game was his carrying ability.”
"He’s not a fetcher; he’s not a Deon Fourie who can go in over the ball or a Kwagga [Smith] who’s really hard on the ball,”
Fleck explained.“He prefers to link, support people on the run and get the ball, to clean … that’s where he’s moulded himself into this hybrid six.”
John Dobson, who succeeded Fleck at the Stormers, knows Kolisi both on and off the pitch and appreciates the subtleties of his game that might escape the average spectator. “Where people miss the point is he is so good on his own ball,” said Dobson. “He gets low, through, aggressive … so he helps you generate fast ball and his counter-rucking is amongst the best.”
"His second effort in the tackle and at the breakdown is phenomenal. He’s the best there is."
Dobson pointed out, emphasizing that Kolisi’s relentless efforts are pivotal to the Springboks’ breakdown strategy.
As Kolisi steps onto the field for his centurion match, he doesn't just carry the weight of expectation but also the legacy of a player who has reshaped what it means to wear the number six jersey for the Springboks. His journey from a promising schoolboy to a two-time World Cup-winning captain is not just a tale of personal triumph but a beacon of leadership and inspiration in the rugby world.