VIDEO: Siya’s heartfelt tribute to Erasmus after Boks’ Paris triumph
PARIS, FRANCE: Siya Kolisi took time during the post-match press conference after the Springboks beat France convincingly in front of a hostile crowd at Stade de France to thank coach Rassie Erasmus for his contribution.
While all the hype had been about Kolisi’s 100th game, Erasmus also celebrated his 50th Test as coach.
Kolisi and Erasmus have worked together for most of the Springbok captain’s career, and it was Erasmus who brought Kolisi to the Western Province academy.
The two were reunited at the Springboks in 2018 after Erasmus returned from a short stint with Munster, appointing Kolisi as Springbok captain.
The duo has gone on to lead the Springboks to historic back-to-back World Cup triumphs in Japan and France, as well as a British & Irish Lions series victory in 2021.
Previously, Kolisi has spoken about his troubling early years and how Erasmus has always backed him.
“He just backed me from the beginning. Even making me captain, he always kept me accountable. He knows the kind of person I am.
“He made the system that would make me look good. He put other people in leadership roles, so I didn’t have to take everything upon me.”
On Saturday, after Kolisi only played one half of his 100th game due to the red card issued to Lood de Jager, the captain thanked his coach for his unwavering support and guidance.
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“Congrats to coach for his 50th. It hasn’t been about him this week.
“He has tried to make it special for the team and for me, so congrats, coach, thank you for all that you do for us,” Kolisi said.
“You have no idea what you have done – not even just for rugby – just our mindset. How we see each other, how much we understand what this team means, and what it has done in the past.
“You made it a privilege, and not pressure, to wear the Springbok jersey.
“We are so grateful for you.
“So many things that I speak about when I speak – you don’t prep us for interviews, but when we speak, it is about what we get from you.
“So thank you for all that you do; we really appreciate it.”
Erasmus looked touched but stayed composed and answered, “Thanks, Siya.”
