Captain Siya Kolisi made a triumphant return from injury against the All Blacks.
Image: Henk Kruger / ANA Studio.
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi dedicated the victory over the All Blacks to the people of South Africa after the Boks levelled their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 1–1 on home soil.
The Springboks bounced back from their defeat at Ellis Park the previous week to beat New Zealand in the second Test, with Kolisi hailing the contribution of the coaching staff and the unwavering support of the South African public.
“Thank you so much to the people of South Africa,” Kolisi said.
“It was a tough week. The All Blacks played very well at Ellis Park, but I am grateful for the coaching staff and the plans they made for us to come through.
“Last week we did not take our opportunities, and this week we did. We got the prize. It is 1–1 on South African soil.”
Kolisi said the support of the fans had remained unwavering despite the disappointment of the Ellis Park defeat.
“Even though we lost, the support was here, and we thank South Africa for getting us over the line this evening,” he said.
“We did it for those who came to the stadium, those who watched on television and those who could not afford to watch us.
“That is what is so special for coach Rassie (Erasmus). He reminds us that it is not just about us or our families; it is about all the people of South Africa.
“That is the privilege we have.”
Kolisi said the players had been acutely aware of the disappointment that followed the Ellis Park defeat, but were inspired by the fans who continued to turn out in large numbers.
“We know how down the mood was this past week with the loss, but the fans still came out in numbers,” he said.
The victory means the series is now tied, with the third Test to be played in Soweto.
“It is a drawn series,” Kolisi said. “This week is a big match, with many of us playing for the first time in Soweto.
“Playing the All Blacks is tough once, but now we are playing them four times in a row. It is very intense.”
The All Blacks, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a fast start by the Springboks that put them on the back foot.
New Zealand captain Ardie Savea admitted his team had made life difficult for themselves by conceding early.
“We can’t let the Boks get ahead like that after two minutes,” Savea said. “We were chasing the game.
“But I am proud of the boys. We stuck in there, but we came up short.
“We lost a battle, but we have not lost the war. We will get back on the horse and go to Joburg with the belief that we can turn it around.”
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