Former Bok captains hail Siya as best ever

As Siya Kolisi nears yet another milestone, former Springbok captains say he’s the best leader the Boks have ever had.

The inspirational skipper is on the brink on adding his name to the eight Bok centurions and currently stands on 98 Tests – with his 100th likely to come on the five-match tour in November.

Kolisi has led the team to back-to-back Rugby Championship titles to add to two World Cups and a British & Irish Lions series win.

For 1995 World Cup-winning captain Francois Pienaar, it’s a no-brainer that Kolisi is the very best.

“It’s easy,” Pienaar told Rapport. “Siya is the best – his record speaks for itself. Excellent!”

John Smit – who led the Boks to the 2007 World Cup triumph as well as the 2009 British & Irish Lions series and two Tri-Nations titles – says there’s absolutely no question that Kolisi is the most inspirational captain the Boks have ever had.

“It’s fairly simple,” Smit remarked. “Several Rugby Championship trophies, a British & Irish Lions series win, a top-10 winning percentage as captain, consecutive World Cups and almost 100 Tests. Anyone who still argues, is silly.”

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Kolisi has captained the Springboks in 66 Tests and boasts a winning percentage of 71.2%. Gary Teichmann – who played 42 Tests for South Africa – boasts a similar win percentage and says Kolisi’s record on and off the field, speaks volumes.

“Siya’s off-the-field contributions have solidified his legacy. He’s shown that there’s always a way. He’s a humble but strong leader that ensures he makes a difference in the lives of many. What a captain!”

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The eight Springbok centurions are Percy Montgomery, Smit, Victor Matfield, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Tendai “Beast” Mtawarira, Eben Etzebeth and Willie le Roux.

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