Springboks: Step king Kolbe salutes super Siya
Dynamic Springbok winger raves about his inspirational Springbok skipper and close friend.
The Springboks’ dynamic wing Cheslin Kolbe has opened up about what it means to have his close friend and captain Siya Kolisi back in the team after a horrific injury almost derailed his playing career.
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Kolisi will make his long-awaited return for the Springboks in their Rugby World Cup warm-up against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
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The 32-year-old suffered a devastating knee injury earlier this year and it was initially feared that the flanker might miss the Rugby World Cup. But Kolisi got stuck into an extensive rehabilitation programme that has seen him miraculously complete a 119-day turnaround.
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KOLBE AND KOLISI’S SPECIAL BOND
Kolisi is an inspirational leader who all his players respect and look-up to, but he shares a special friendship with Cheslin Kolbe and Eben Etzebeth.
So when Kolbe was asked what it meant to the team and to him to have his close friend, Kolisi, back in the squad after recovering from knee surgery, Kolbe spoke with adoration and admiration of the skipper.
“It’s massive for us to have Siya back in the mix. The way in which he set his mind to his rehabilitation and returning to play shows what it means to him.
“The experience and energy he brings to the team is great, and it was also good to have him give input from the sidelines while he was on the road to recovery.”
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SPRINGBOKS WARY OF WALES THREAT
Commenting on the clash against Wales at the Millennium Stadium, the Springbok winger said they expect to be tested thoroughly
“They’ve brought back a few experienced guys, so they have a nice balance of youth and experience. It is a good team with guys who can run the show, but the important thing for us will be to focus on what we have to do.”
The Springboks will have Thursday off to rest and recover and will return to the field on Friday for their captain’s run.
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