Springboks captain Siya Kolisi took to Instagram to pen a touching tribute to “rivals” the All Blacks via a post on Friday 25 September.
SIYA KOLISI SHOWS ALL BLACKS RESPECT
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has spoken openly about the deep respect that exists between South Africa and New Zealand, even as the two nations prepare for fierce battles on the field during 2026’s historic “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series.
Kolisi has previously said that while South African and New Zealand players have built genuine friendships away from rugby, the greatest respect the Springboks can show their opponents is to compete at full intensity for the entire 80 minutes. This philosophy captures a mindset shared by many great rivals in sport that giving your absolute best is itself a form of honouring the opponent.
In Siya’s post, he shared a photo with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, and a picture carrying Savea’s daughter. Kolisi shares a long-standing friendship with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea, with the two having attended church together in the past.
He also shared a photo holding the All Blacks jersey with Peter Lakai holding a Springboks jersey. A selfie with Beauden Barrett among others. Take a look…
“Battle for 80min and respect always after @allblacks 🇿🇦 🇳🇿. Proverbs 27:17. 17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” he captioned the post.
“Love it ❤️🤞🏿,” wrote Ardie Savea in the comments section of the post.
The Springboks face off against the Wallabies at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia on Sunday morning. Take a look when to watch the match here.
“One team. One heart. ❤️🔥 No team epitomises that more. The brotherhood, the deep respect, the honour, the pride… you can feel it. And what makes it even more special is having a rival like New Zealand, generations of absolute warriors pushing each other, testing each other and bringing out the very best in one another. That rivalry means something. 🇿🇦🤝🇳🇿 What a privilege to witness this greatness. The golden era of Springbok rugby. ❤️🔥🇿🇦 Viva Bokke Viva!!!,” wrote @junglejoe333.
“I don’t think there’s teams who respect each other like this ones🙌,” wrote @maximum745.
“As a South African now calling New Zealand home I absolutely love the relationship between the Springboks and the All Blacks. All go on the field but leave the game there and friends off the field. Respect to both teams! 🔥❤️ #strongertogether,” wrote @cindiology.