VIDEO: Kolisi answer his critics
WATCH as the new Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi explains how he deals with the chorus of criticism coming his way.
The selection of a Springbok captain is never a universally popular choice, but the new Bok skipper has faced additional hostile critique – both because of his personal form and the political factor.
No doubt the spotlight will be shining especially bright on him when he leads South Africa out against England at Ellis Park on Saturday – his first Test as Bok skipper.
Kolisi is aware of the segments of society that are not happy with his appointment.
However, his focus is on leading the team to victory, rather than get distracted by the view of some pundits.
“It is always like that,” Kolisi said ahead of the first match in a three-Test series, adding: “That is just life.
“I can’t focus on what people are saying.
“Sometimes I am not happy with other people’s decisions.
“I can’t really focus on that. I can only focus on people that really matter to me, that support me and that is always there for me.
“For the [Bok] coach [Rassie Erasmus] to show this much faith in me, I am just going to give everything I can and do my best to make sure I deliver on Saturdays.
“He [Erasmus] has only asked one thing of me – it is to make sure I perform on Saturday.
That is what I am going to do and focus on the positives.
“I can’t control what everybody thinks of me. I can only control what I do on the field – that is my main focus.
- Article continues below video.
Kolisi admitted he has had to “grow quite a lot” in terms of his captaincy the past two years.
“I had to change the way I handle things,” he said, adding: “Last year I was learning with coach Robbie [Fleck, at the Stormers].
“There’s a lot of shared leadership. I was fortunate I had guys like Eben [Etzebeth] and Pieter-Steph [du Toit].
“As the season moved along, I gained confidence, I learnt more and I started speaking out.
“I am not a man of many words, but obviously I had to speak more – especially this year, with the tough season [the Stormers had].
“I had to get out of my comfort zone.
“I am getting better, but I am still learning.
“I know I will learn a lot more from coach Rassie and the guys that are in the [Bok] team.
“I have guys like Duane [Vermeulen], Bismarck [du Plessis] and Frans [Steyn].
“They have way more experience than I do and I am always willing and able to listen to other people.”
@rugby365com
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