Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has thanked South Africans for the inspiration at the Rugby World Cup, and is banking on the nation’s support ahead of a semi-final clash against England on Saturday.
The Boks will battle it out for a spot in the final against the English at the Stade de France in Paris. Kick-off is at 9pm.
Describing what the support coming all the way from South Africa means to the team, Kolisi admitted they have their sights firmly set on reaching the final and become the first team to win four world champion titles.
Purpose-driven team
However, he said it means the Boks will need to be a more purpose-driven team rather than trophy-driven team.
“It will never change who we play for, who we represent,” Kolisi told SA Rugby website.
“I wish you could see all the support we get from back home. This [tournament] is all that people talk about with everything else that is happening back home.
“Kids at school are sending us clips of them singing [because they know some of us enjoy singing], people at work on Fridays wear their green jerseys, and it’s a beautiful thing to see that people who can’t afford the green jerseys will wear anything green or anything that represents the Springboks.
“We use that to inspire us and keep us going. It’s more purposeful when you don’t only do something for yourself.
“The harder we play, the more we do well, the more opportunities we give to others. I believe we are a purpose-driven team.
“We are not a trophy-driven team, of course the trophies help to get more people to want to work with you.”
Boks coach Jacques Nienaber named an unchanged starting IX that edged past host France at the weekend.
Springbok team to face England:
Damian Willemse; Kurt-Lee Arendse; Jesse Kriel; Damian de Allende; Cheslin Kolbe; Manie Libbok; Cobus Reinach; Duane Vermeulen; Pieter-Steph du Toit; Siya Kolisi; Franco Mostert; Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe; Bongi Mbonambi; Steven Kitshoff
Replacements:
Deon Fourie; Ox Nche; Vincent Koch; RG Snyman; Kwagga Smith; Faf de Klerk; Handre Pollard; Willie le Roux
