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File picture: Springboks in action during a previous match.
South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi says the Springboks are now on a level where they can find ways to win even if the team is not playing the best rugby in the world.
The Boks beat England 29-20 at Twickenham in London last night in a match where individual brilliance made the difference between the two teams.
England surprised the Springboks, scoring a try early in the game and taking the lead. A brilliant break by scrumhalf Grant Williams put a stop to the home side’s momentum.
Eben Etzebeth was a fly in England’s ointment the whole night, and his charge down, followed by another one by Pieter Steph du Toit, got the Springboks on the front foot. Cheslin Kolbe has tormented England’s defence on many occasions in the past and he continued that trend.
Kolisi says the fightback after England’s initial dominance shows the character of the team.
“We knew the English would come out firing, and that’s what happened. It took us a while to get into the game, but I’m glad we stayed in the game and kept on fighting. Our discipline wasn’t good we’re not proud of it, but congrats to England on the performance,” says Kolisi.
Rassie Erasmus: “We were certainly not happy with the performance … (but) we are content with the result” 🗣#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #ENGvRSA
— Springboks (@Springboks) November 16, 2024
The quality of play from both sides in the second half was poor in comparison to the first half, while the match officials also played a part in disrupting the flow of the game. But man of the match Kolbe found a way to secure his team’s victory. Kolisi feels the team now has a never-say-die attitude.
“Coach summed it up last at halftime; it was individual brilliance, the charge down by Eben. However, we didn’t get to play the way we wanted but when we needed something, we found a way through and that’s the mindset of the team,” adds Kolisi.
The next and final challenge of the year is Saturday against Wales in Cardiff.
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