Siya Kolisi's stint as Springbok waterboy has generated a shower of praise on social media
Despite being ruled out of the Springboks’ victory over Australia at the weekend, captain Siya Kolisi remained part of the action as he served as a waterboy for his team.
The flanker was out with a knee injury and it has since been confirmed that he will miss the next two Test matches against the All Blacks and Argentina, but he was still seen running up and down the touchline helping his team-mates.
The 28-year-old has been adulated on social media by South African fans, being described as a “true leader”, “humble” and for showing “what true leadership is”.
The way in which Kolisi congratulated debutant Herschel Jantjies after he came off the field embodies his commitment to his team and his attitude.
While some may dispute his place in the team purely on his playing credentials, there is no denying that many fans appreciate the leadership qualities that he brings.
Springbok depth, not starting XV, was the winner on Saturday
– writes @alexshawsport ??? https://t.co/mVLhvlOuag
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) July 21, 2019
This is a similar situation that the Springboks have had in past World Cups, particularly when John Smit was selected ahead of Bismarck du Plessis simply based on his leadership qualities. Smit led the Springboks to World Cup victory in 2007, so that decision was always vindicated.
Similarly, with the wealth of talent at Rassie Erasmus’ disposal, some may argue that there are better flankers, but Kolisi has already exhibited his leadership skills.
Furthermore, prior to his injury, the Stormers flanker was also in terrific form and worthy of a starting berth for his nation. This is what the fans have said:
I’ve never seen a captain who was a water boy in SA Rugby? Kolisi did that today. Couldn’t play but was willing to give his troopers some water! We are led Siyamthanda ??
— Ntumekelelo Kondile (@ntumz1) July 20, 2019
Captain Siya Kolisi is today’s water Boy… Maaan this Bloke is way humble… #SAvsAus
— Bomza mafanya (@bomza_mafanya) July 20, 2019
Siya Kolisi bringing out the drinks for the boys today. Not only a father of four, but a humble leader. ??
— Sibongile Mafu (@sboshmafu) July 20, 2019
Siya Kolisi, what a great leader. A true definition of servant leadership.. Truly inspiring seeing him running up & down serving his teammates despite the injury. Call him a water boy, I call him a servant & inspiring, true leader. #GoBokke @Springboks pic.twitter.com/9HdBJSDXHA
— Sifiso Gumede (@Sifiso_Gumede) July 21, 2019
Siya Kolisi wasn’t the first-ever captain to play waterboy for his team while injured,but it underlined his commitment to the cause. As someone said: “In order to lead, you must first serve.”
Throwback to my piece from ‘18 when he was 1st appointedhttps://t.co/qxgIsFWWaV pic.twitter.com/VcQl6R2Zaa
— Derek Alberts (@derekalberts1) July 21, 2019
Siya Kolisi wanted to be at the game so bad he was even willing to be the water boy. We are led ??
— L O Y D (@DJLOYD) July 20, 2019
Injured bok captain Siya Kolisi serving his team as waterboy. Leadership.
— Brad Preston (@BradNPreston) July 20, 2019
How about Siya Kolisi being the water guy! Surely the first Bok captain ever to perform that duty. #bokke
— Penza (@pedvr) July 20, 2019
@Siya_Kolisi what a great example as our captain. Supporting your team by serving them. Give that man a bells!
— Theresa Brits (@theresabrits) July 20, 2019
Siya Kolisi being a waterboy has shown me what true true leadership is
— black hugh hefner (@sandiledube_) July 20, 2019
Alongside Eben Etzebeth, the Springboks have two leaders in the pack that will put them in good stead for the Rugby Championship and the World Cup.
However, while Kolisi is back in training and set to play for Western Province in the Currie Cup, it is unclear when he will return to the Springboks fold. But he is still leading the team any way he can and has won over many fans in the process.
WATCH: Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus fronts up to media after the win over the Wallabies
Comments on RugbyPass
It was a pleasure to watch those guys playing with such confidence. That trio can all be infuriating for different reasons and I can see why Jones might have decided against them. No way to justify leaving Ikitau out though. Jorgensen and him were both scheduled to return at the same time. Only one of them plays for Randwick and has a dad who is great mates with the national coach though.
53 Go to commentsBrayden Iose and Peter Lakai are very exciting Super Rugby players but are too short and too light to ever be a Test 8 vs South Africa, France, Ireland, and England, Lakai could potentially be a Test player at 7 if he is allowed to focus on 7 for Hurricanes.
5 Go to commentsPencils “Thomas du Toit” into possible 2027 Bok squad.
1 Go to commentsDon’t see why Harrison makes the bench. Jones can play at 10 if needed, and there is a good case for starting her there to begin with if testing combinations. That would leave room for Sing on the bench
1 Go to commentsWhat a load of old bull!
1 Go to commentsOf the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.
29 Go to commentsIrish Rugby CEO be texting Andy Farrell “Andy, i found our next Kiwi Irishman”
5 Go to commentsI certainly don’t miss drinking beers at 8am in the morning watching rugby games being played in NZ.
1 Go to commentsThis looks like a damage limitation exercise for Wales, keeping back some of their more effective players for the last 20/25 minutes to try and counter England’s fresh legs so the Red Roses don’t rack up a big score.
1 Go to commentsVery unlikely the Bulls will beat Leinster in Dublin. It would be different in Pretoria.
1 Go to commentsI think it is a dangerous path to go down to ban a player for the same period that a player they injured takes to recover. Players would be afraid to tackle anyone. I once tackled my best friend at school in a practice match and sprained his ankle. I paid for it by having to play fly-half instead of full-back for the rest of that season’s fixtures.
5 Go to commentsJust such a genuine good bloke…and probably the best all round player in his generation. Good guys do come first sometimes and he handled the W.Cup loss with great attitude.
2 Go to commentsWord in France is that he’s on the radar of a few Top14 clubs.
5 Go to commentsGet blocking Travis, this guy has styles and he’s gonna make a swift impact…!
1 Go to commentsWhat remorse? She claimed that her dangerous tackle wasn’t worthy of a red! She should be compensating the injured player for loss of earnings at the minimum. Her ban should include the recovery time of the injured player as well as the paltry 3 match ban.
5 Go to commentsArdie is a legend. Finished and klaar. Two things: “Yeah, yeah, I have had a few conversations with Razor just around feedback on my game and what I am doing well, what I need to improve on or work-ons. It’s kind of been minimal, mate, but it’s all that I need over here in terms of how to be better, how to get better and what I am doing well.” I hope he’s downplaying it - and that it’s not that “minimal”. The amount of communication and behind the scenes preparation the Bok coaches put into players - Rassie and co would be all over Ardie and being clear on what is expected of him. This stands out for me as something teams should really be looking at in terms of the boks success from a coaching point of view. And was surprised by the comment - “minimal”. In terms of the “debate” around Ireland and South Africa. Nice one Ardie. Indeed. There’s no debate.
2 Go to commentsThere’s a bit of depth there but realistically Australian players have a long way to go to now catch up. The game is moving on fast and Australia are falling behind. Australian sides still don’t priories the breakdown like they should, it’s a non-negotiable if you want to compete on the international stage. That goes for forwards and backs. The Australian team could have a back row that could make a difference but the problem is they don’t have a tight five that can do the business. Tupou is limited in defence, overweight and unfit and the locks are a long way from international standard. Frost is soft and Salakai-Loto is too small so that means they need a Valentini at 8 who has to do the hard graft so limits the effectiveness of the backrow. Schmidt really needs to get a hard working, tough tight 5 if he wants to get this team firing.
3 Go to commentsSorry Morgan you must have been the “go to for a quote” ex player this week. Its rnd 6 and there is plenty of time to cement a starting 15 and finishing 8 so I have no such concerns.
2 Go to commentsGreat read. I wish you had done this article on the ROAR.
2 Go to commentsThe current AB coaching team is basically the Crusaders so it smacks of wanting their familiar leaders around. This is not a good look for the future of the ABs or the younger players in Super working their way up the player ladder. Razor is touted as innovative, forward looking but his early moves look like insecurity and insular, provincial thinking. He is the AB's coach not the Golden Oldies.
10 Go to comments