SA Rugby magazine SA Rugby magazine – Latest South African rugby news

South African rugby news, interviews, videos and more. Covering the Springboks, Bulls, Stormers, Sharks, Cheetahs and Lions, as well as schools and club rugby.

Primary Menu Search
SA Rugby magazine
  • Home
  • Springboks
  • Vodacom URC
  • Videos
  • Cars
    • Cheap cars for sale
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Deals
    • One Day Deals
    • Nationwide Deals
      • Deals in Cape Town
      • Deals in Johannesburg
      • Deals in Durban
      • Deals in Pretoria
      • Deals in Port Elizabeth
    • Accommodation Deals
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Food and Drink Deals
    • Experiences
    • Health and Wellness Deals
You are here: Home ∼ Kolisi: My game went a little bit down

Kolisi: My game went a little bit down

Bok captain Siya Kolisi Bok captain Siya Kolisi
Standard published on January 10, 2019

Siya Kolisi has admitted that he struggled to adapt to the publicity that came with the Springbok captaincy in 2018.

In a historic move, Kolisi became the Springboks’ first-ever black Test captain and led them to a series win against England, as well as a famous victory against the All Blacks in Wellington.

However, in an interview with CNN, Kolisi admitted that his first year as captain proved a challenging one, especially with the off-field responsibilities that come with the role.

‘I don’t like the spotlight. I’m very shy,’ Kolisi admitted. ‘People had obviously high expectations and everything, and I think seeing myself in newspapers every single day, it’s something I wasn’t used to.

‘My game went a little bit down, and it was tough. You can see with the stats and stuff. Even the coach would tell you that my game wasn’t up to standard.’

Kolisi added that after a less-than-modest upbringing in the township of Zwide, it was a dream come true for him to lead the team out last year.

‘For me, things that we dreamed about were being a taxi driver or doing things that I’m not supposed to be doing. When I was a kid, there’s no way I would’ve dreamed of being Springbok captain.

‘We’ve broken through some barriers I thought we couldn’t do,’ Kolisi said when asked to review last year. ‘The respect is back in the Springbok jersey.

‘I think we have a possible chance of winning the World Cup.’

Full story

WATCH: Ryan Vrede says Siya Kolisi cannot be elevated to a throne he isn’t comfortable in.

Photo: Marco Longari/Getty Images

Posted in Springboks, Top headlines Tagged Siya Kolisi, Springboks

Post by SA Rugby magazine

← Previous Next →

Boks set for final tune-up against Georgia

The Springboks have ticked every box this month in their build-up to...

Rassie’s Boks of tricks is great for the game

Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks should be lauded for becoming world rugby’s great innovators,...

World Rugby deserves a rebel league

Rebel rugby is coming, and for players it's the deal Test rugby...

Razor’s edgy All Blacks must get real

The All Blacks, once comfortable in their own skin, now seem to...

Dupont the greatest? Hold your GOATs!

Antoine Dupont will finish his career as one of the game's most...

Ode to World Cup final

The ball was in play for 38 minutes in the 2023 Rugby...

Please Boks, never change

The world champion Springboks have to evolve their personnel, but not their...

Mr. Rugby on the Modern Game

Thanks to the wonders of artificial intelligence, we can now go beyond...

Rassie ref hom in die rooi

Rassie Erasmus is hardly the embarrassment that some are making him out...

Boks need to make mentality adjustment

The Springboks need to lose their underdog mentality, writes SIMNIKIWE XABANISA in...

Kolbe’s worth every penny

Cheslin Kolbe’s big-money move to Toulon should be welcomed as a massive...

Top six: Best and worst foreign imports

SARugbymag.co.za identifies six of the best and worst foreign players to play...

VIEW MORE
  • LIVE: Samoa vs Scotland
  • RECAP: Junior Boks vs Los Pumitas
  • LIVE: Springboks vs Italy
  • LIVE: AUNZ XV vs British & Irish Lions
    Haashim Pead 29 June 2025 Timothy Rogers Getty Images
  • Watch: There’s no substitute for Spead

  • Contact us
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Betting Offers:


  • Hollywoodbets Promo Code 2025 – Claim R25 + 50 Free Spins

  • Lulabet Sign-Up Bonus – Double R50 to R250 + Free Bet
  • Competitions
  • Videos
  • Player Features
  • Joburg Etc
  • African Insider News
  • Rugby Championship
  • Super Rugby
  • Currie Cup
  • Varsity Cup
  • Gold Cup
  • Schools
  • Schools
  • SA Cup
  • Six Nations
  • Champions Cup
  • World Cup
  • Challenge Cup
Contact Us on WhatsApp

Connect with us on WhatsApp

CAPE TOWN OFFICE: 36 Old Mill Road, Ndabeni, Maitland, 7405, Western Cape > Telephone: (021) 530 3300 > Fax: (021) 530 3333
©Copyright 2025 SA Rugby magazine

Primary Menu

  • Home
  • Springboks
  • Vodacom URC
  • Videos
  • Cars
    • Cheap cars for sale
    • Used Cars For Sale
    • New Cars For Sale
    • Demo Cars For Sale
  • Deals
    • One Day Deals
    • Nationwide Deals
      • Deals in Cape Town
      • Deals in Johannesburg
      • Deals in Durban
      • Deals in Pretoria
      • Deals in Port Elizabeth
    • Accommodation Deals
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Food and Drink Deals
    • Experiences
    • Health and Wellness Deals

×