ICYMI: Siya Kolisi stuns press conference with incredible speech

Siya Kolisi left a press conference in France stunned after a stirring tribute to outgoing coach Jacques Nienaber.

Kolisi paid emotional tribute to the coach recalling their first ever meeting.

The skipper showed just what the coach means to the Springboks.

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Kolisi said: “I was 18 years old. I was contracted with the Cheetahs. I got out [of that contract] and then I was able to go to Western Province.

WATCH: SIYA KOLISI STUNS PRESS CONFERENCE

🇿🇦 Siya Kolisi on Jacques Nienaber ahead of his final game in charge of the Springboks and teaching him to tackle.#RWC2023 #RSAvENG #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/TErLzcwmj1

— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) October 22, 2023

Kolisi is grateful for everything he has learned from Nienaber down the years.

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“That is when I met Jacques [Nienaber], when I got to the [Western Province Rugby] Institute,” he continued

“He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province Academy.

“That is where our foundation as a group [was laid].

“Eben [Etzebeth] was there, Frans Malherbe was there. A number of other guys who played professionally were there,” he said of the institute.

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“When Jacques and the other coaches came, it was the full contact – they called of ‘koppe-stamp’ [full-on head-to-head].

“[In those sessions] you had two show who you are.

“Every time they came it was intense.

“I got to know him then already and as I went on he became my senior coach.”

BEYOND THE PITCH

Kolisi added that Nienaber really takes an interest in his players which makes a huge difference.

“One thing I love about him is, he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field,” the skipper said.

“He got to know me, my family, and why I do what I do.

“He speaks to us as a team – him and coach Rassie] with human courtesy.

“They didn’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is.

“He goes on who am I playing for? What is driving us?

“He knows my kids by name and asks me how I am doing as a person.

“That is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township.

“He tries to bring him out of me, every time I play.

“For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player.

“That’s what he brings to this team.

“And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around.

“I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment.

“I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him.

“The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out.

“He is always honest.

“I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“It was tough when he went away [to Munster] for two years.

“When he returned, we just clicked. We didn’t have to get to know each other again.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] changed things, because they love the country.

“Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky to have him.

“The amount of work he puts in, the detail they get in, it makes life so much easier.

“All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there.

“He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband.

“I will always be thankful.

“When I first met him I couldn’t tackle. After that year, of playing ‘koppe-stamp’ every day, I had to learn how to tackle.”

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