Siya Kolisi for president
Springboks trio Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi and Jacques Nienaber. Photo: Via SA Rugby website.

Home » Siya Kolisi credits Rassie Erasmus for support through captaincy

Siya Kolisi credits Rassie Erasmus for support through captaincy

Siya Kolisi has creditide Rassie Erasmus for his support and leadership that help him navigate the challenges of his Springboks captaincy.

17-02-24 20:21
Siya Kolisi for president
Springboks trio Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi and Jacques Nienaber. Photo: Via SA Rugby website.

Siya Kolisi, a Springbok legend who led South Africa to two Rugby World Cup victories, faced early challenges as captain. He candidly reveals his struggles and credits Rassie Erasmus for fostering a shared leadership approach.

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RASSIE ERASMUS: LEADERSHIP STRATEGY

When Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks’ director of rugby, appointed Kolisi captain, outward appearances suggested a seamless transition. But Kolisi admits that finding his feet in the role was difficult initially.

“It’s not about me, it’s about the group,” Kolisi explained on the Behind the Ruck podcast. “Coach Rassie probably knew I would struggle at the beginning, so he made a system…so he took away the pressure from me.”

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RASSIE’S INFLUENCE ON TEAM DYNAMICS

Kolisi realized that Rassie’s approach to leadership transcended the typical captain-centric model. Instead of dominating, Kolisi found a support network where other leaders also flourished, allowing him to rely on his teammates as well as his own evolving leadership skills.

He pinpoints a defining moment – the early thrashing by England where the Springboks trailed 21 points in the first 15 minutes. While Kolisi was at a loss, the experience taught him the importance of sharing the leadership burden.

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RASSIE ERASMUS: THE DEFENSIVE MASTERMIND

Rassie Erasmus, alongside Jacques Nienaber, had overhauled the team’s defensive system.

Despite some early stumbles, their confidence in the strategy remained unshaken. “Jacques was like, ‘don’t stop doing it’, even though we weren’t getting it right,” Kolisi shares.

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That game against England ignited a comeback, ending at 42-39 for the Boks. From that day, under Rassie’s guidance, a new era unfolded, laying the foundation for future World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.