Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been praised for encouraging the squad to thank fans who attended the game against the Wallabies at Ellis Park last week.
This came after the thrice-World Cup-winning team suffered a disappointing loss on home ground.
On Saturday, 23 August, the rugby rival countries will clash again at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium.
SIYA KOLISI PRAISED FOR THANKING FANS AT ELLIS PARK
On a video posted on TikTok, Siya Kolisi was seen intercepting his Springbok colleagues from returning directly to the change room after their loss to the Wallabies at Ellis Park last week.
Despite their embarrassing defeat, the captain asked his pals, particularly an emotional Eben Etzebeth, to greet their stadium supporters.
@tubbyninja: “Respect Siya Kolisi. Lead from the front. Even on a bad day, you should respect your fans“.
@activist_galore: “Shows good sportsmanship. Stay humble, Bokke, please.
@patdav18: “Siya is the people’s captain!”
@mapantsulaarugby After congratulating the Wallabies and standing in shock for some minutes following the loss against Australia, the Springbok team was getting ready to head into the sheds before the team Captain Kolisi hurried to stop them from leaving the field before going around the stadium to thank the fans. It’s been great to see the team in Belhar,WC training in front of a crowd of 5000 South Africans. A great reminder that win, lose, or draw. We back our boys, and this weekend, captain Jesse Kriel will lead the charge! #mapantsulaarugby #mapantsulaarugbyshow #rugby #springboks #castlelagerrugbychampionship ♬ original sound – mapantsulaarugbyshow
INJURY UPDATE
Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi is tipped to miss several upcoming test matches amid a knee injury that he sustained during last week’s game.
According to reports, the Springboks captain could sit out up to four weeks.
This would rule him out for the Boks’ Rugby Championship games against the All Blacks on 6 and 13 September.
Boks Kurt-Lee Arendse, Edwill van der Merwe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Willie le Rou are also currently injured.
In the absence of Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel will fill in as captain.
DO YOU THINK SIYA KOLISI WAS RIGHT TO THANK SPRINGBOK FANS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.