Real recognises real. The Springboks are blessed with some big personalities, and skipper Siya Kolisi has special wishes for his friend Cheslin Kolbe.
Kolbe, one of the most electrifying wingers in the world, turns 32 today.
The Tokyo Sungoliath winger scored memorably in the 2019 World Cup final. It was the icing on the cake of a stunning 32-12 defeat of England.
Outside bet for the greatest player in Springboks history?
Springboks bromance as Kolisi wishes Kolbe
Siyamthanda Koilsi and Cheslin Kolbe have enjoyed their fair share of special moments together, both on and off the pitch. A veteran of two iconic World Cup triumphs as skipper, Kolisi knows how special Kolbe is as a player and a person. Kolbe has scored 21 tries in 46 caps at an impressive strike rate of 45% but it’s his valiant defensive work off the ball that rounds him off as arguably the finest rugby footballer on planet earth today.
Is this how the Springboks will line up against Japan?
Meanwhile, the Springboks still have business to contend with in 2025 after defending their Rugby Championship crown. They face Japan’s Brave Blossoms at Wembley next. Interestingly, a healthy chunk of Springboks ply their trade in Japan. Faf de Klerk, Damien de Allende, Malcolm Marx, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and birthday boy Kolbe all turn out for clubs in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Springboks:Â 15 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements:Â 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ben-Jason Dixon, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.