Siya Kolisi says Ireland will be “lucky” to have Jacques Nienaber as the World Cup final marks the head coach’s final match in charge of the Springboks.
Nienaber will be joining the coaching group of Ireland’s top provincial side Leinster after the World Cup, having already signed a contract with the Vodacom URC giants before the tournament got underway.
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This means that Saturday’s World Cup final against New Zealand will be Nienaber’s final match as South Africa’s head coach, bringing an end to his association with Springbok rugby, which has lasted over a decade.
In the aftermath of the nailbiting World Cup semi-final victory over England, Bok captain Kolisi was asked about his relationship with Nienaber ahead of the upcoming farewell week.
“I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques,” Kolisi explained. “He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].
“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had to show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do. He speaks to us with human courtesy.
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“They don’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.
“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.
“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.
“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
