Kolisi is Stormers' other 'Kiwi'
However, what they did not know is that captain Siya Kolisi is actually a Kiwi in disguise.
Chiefs captain Sam Cane, speaking ahead of the quarterfinal outing at Newlands on Saturday, said Kolisi is the closest thing to a New Zealand loose forward that you will find in South Africa.
The plaudits directed by Cane at Kolisi may have something to do with the friendship they have struck up since the Stormers skipper made his Springbok debut against Scotland in 2013.
"He is a real leader in their pack," Cane said at a media briefing, when asked about the threat posed by the 26-year-old loose forward.
"He is a [the one] South African loose forward who plays a lot more like a Kiwi." the Chiefs skipper added.
"He has good footwork and a great skillset. He can be physical as well.
"I am not sure of he has beefed up in the last few years."
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie also felt Kolisi will have a key role to play at Newlands.
"Everyone knows out game revolves around quick ball," Rennie said, when asked about the importance of the breakdown and the possible influence of Kolisi.
"Teams will work hard to slow our ball down.
"We have to ensure our ball carriers and support players do a good job, ensure we get quick ball.
"Hopefully [South African referee] Jaco [Peyper] will play his part in that."
By Jan de Koning
@king365ed
@rugby365com
