Kolisi: 'I didn't feel respected'
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has spoken out about the storm that erupted around his team, in the wake of comments made by South Africa’s Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus.
Erasmus has dominated the headlines following an hour-long video – made on Tuesday, but only surfaced in the public domain on Thursday – in which he highlighted the 20-odd errors made by Australian referee Nic Berry.
In the 62-minute video, which includes 26 clips, Erasmus highlighted officiating inconsistencies during the Springboks’ 17-22 fist Test defeat to the British and Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium.
Erasmus pointed out that Berry, who was officiating the first Test, and his assistants (Ben O’Keeffe and Mathieu Raynal) showed a ‘lack of respect’ towards captain Kolisi.
He also made reference to one instance where Berry “laughs Kolisi away” while listening intently to B&I Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones.
New Zealand’s O’Keeffe will take over from Berry with the whistle, while Berry and Raynal of France will be the assistant referees for this Saturday’s clash.
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Speaking to reporters ahead of the second Test, Kolisi gave an honest assessment of the occurrences during the first Test.
“I did not feel respected at all,” Kolisi said.
“I don’t feel like I was given a fair opportunity.
“Having said that, it is a new game and a new referee [O’Keefe] so I’m looking forward to that.
“I just hope the officials will give a fair opportunity to both captains – that’s all I’m asking,”
When asked about how he wasn’t shown respect by Berry, the flank replied: “Have you watched the [Rassie] video?
“Watch the video and we can speak about it.
“I didn’t feel I had the same access to the referee.
“Watch the game and you will see yourself.”
Siya’s perfect distraction
The captain revealed that his family has been an ‘amazing’ distraction.
“It has been amazing seeing my family.
“Think with everything going on the media, they are the one place where you feel happy.
“Think your kids don’t care what people say about their dad and my wife gives me a hug.
“It’s just an amazing feeling,”
Watch the video below
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