Springbok captain Siya Kolisi still has a lot to offer in the green and gold jersey. The meteoric rise ofPaul de Villiershas provided theSpringbokswith a tantalising glimpse into the future of their loose trio. Called up at the last minute to replaceSiya Kolisiagainst England in their first Nations Championship match, the rookie openside delivered a towering debut, before backing it up with compelling displays against Scotland and Wales.
De Villiers has brought an unrelenting work-rate to the green and gold jersey. His relentless scrapping at the breakdown, hunting for turnovers or slowing the opposition’s ball down, has been matched by an underrated ability to carry strongly into heavy contact off first-phase ball. Over his opening Test caps, the young flanker has proven he possesses both the physical grit and appetite required to thrive at the highest level of the international game, sparking inevitable conversations surrounding a long-term passing of the torch in the South African back row.
Yet, any suggestions that the real owner of the Springboks’ No 6 jersey is ready to cede his throne to the young pretender De Villiers are entirely premature. Double World Cup-winning Kolisi remains the beating heart and soul of this Springbok side, a battle-hardened icon whose immense influence on the field extends far beyond the emotional and symbolic weight of carrying the hopes of dreams of a nation.
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