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Siya Kolisi's stint as Springbok waterboy has generated a shower of praise on social media

By Josh Raisey
Siya Kolisi (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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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: 

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. 

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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

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Bull Shark 1 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of 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.

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