2007 World Cup-winning captain John Smit has paid the ultimate compliment to Siya Kolisi for leading the Springboks to historic back-to-back titles.
Kolisi became the most successful Springbok captain of all time when he led South Africa to a first-ever World Cup title defence in Paris on Saturday night.
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Having grown up watching Smit’s Boks and being inspired by that generation’s dominance of Test rugby, Kolisi was paid the ultimate tribute by the former hooker, one of his heroes.
“What a privilege to witness this team last night,” Smit posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“Hardest pathway to a trophy in RWC history yet they found a way. Siya an inspiration as always and this team a pleasure to support.
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“They are the greatest and rightfully so. First to 4 and back-to-back, I’ve never been prouder to be a Bok!”
What a privilege to witness this team last night,hardest pathway to a trophy in RWC history yet they found a way,Siya an inspiration as always & this team a pleasure to support.They are the greatest & rightfully so,first to 4 and back to back,I’ve never been prouder to be a Bok! pic.twitter.com/tdKMKqt7DO
— John Smit (@JohnSmit123) October 29, 2023
Photo: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images