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The most searched for Springbok? It's not Siya Kolisi

By Rugby365
Siya Kolisi /Getty Images

Ever wondered who the most Googled Springbok is? Surprisingly, it’s not skipper Siya Kolisi – although he runs a close second.

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A recent popularity survey was compiled by analysing global search volumes in 2021, ultimately allowing them to rank the most loved players this year.

The survey determined that veteran lock Eben Etzebeth – with 9,588 average monthly searches – is the most popular South African player.

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Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about the vexed issue of transformation

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Springbok captain Siyamthanda Kolisi speaks about the vexed issue of transformation

Etzebeth is widely regarded as one of the best players on the planet and has also gained the reputation of being one of the most intimidating men in the sport.

Coming in second is Kolisi with 7,968 average monthly searches.

In third with, 3,531 average monthly searches, is flyhalf Handre Pollard – the highest-paid rugby player on the planet.

In fourth is No.8 Duane Vermeulen with 2,649 average monthly searches and completing the top five is lock Lodewyk De Jager with 2,236 average monthly searches – 76 percent less than Etzebeth in first.

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Of course, Kolisi is more concerned with leading the World Champion Springboks to three wins out of three in this Autumn international window. South Africa defeated Scotland 30-15 in the second match on tour at Murrayfield on Saturday and have now returned to No.1 in World Rugby rankings as a result, leap frogging New Zealand who fell to Ireland in Dublin.

Kolisi said that the Springboks ability to convert opportunities into points was vital against Scotland, and he praised his teammates for doing so.

“We didn’t change anything,” said Kolisi. “The difference today was the way we used our opportunities, which we didn’t do as effectively against Australia and New Zealand.

“We scored two tries and there were times when we applied so much pressure they kicked the ball, and we won it back.

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“That’s what Jacques has been driving – to see the opportunities and use them, and we did that today.”

The Springboks have arrived in London ahead of their final tour match against England.

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Bull Shark 2 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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