Siya Kolisi says the Boks are ready for the All Blacks to bring “something different” to deny South Africa glory in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider on Saturday.
The Springbok captain spoke in Baltimore on Friday with the series locked at 2-1 in South Africa’s favour, and the world No 1 ranking – along with a first series win over the All Blacks on American soil – up for grabs at M&T Bank Stadium.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has handed the captaincy to Codie Taylor after Ardie Savea’s injury and recalling Richie Mo’unga at flyhalf in place of Ruben Love.
“It’s been hard, but we definitely want to win this series,” Kolisi told reporters. “It’s a new team that they have. That’s also good for us, in terms of preparation.
“We’ve had to look at new players because we know they’re going to bring something different this coming weekend.
“We don’t want to draw the series, so that’s our mindset coming into this week.”
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He emphasised how the world champions intend to play amid criticism and praise of their scrum tactics and physicality against the Kiwis.
“What everybody says outside our circle doesn’t really matter,” Kolisi added. “We do what works for us. We know who we are and we stick to the way we play.
“We’re going to play the Springbok way, and that’s not one particular way.
“We can play a set-piece attack game, a kicking game. We’ve got guys who have freedom in the team. Our system is created to give us freedom.
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“That’s why we have a guy like Kurt-Lee [Arendse] and Cheslin [Kolbe] on the outside, and a guy like Damian [Willemse] who can use his feet. Our system doesn’t say, ‘play this way’.
“If people don’t like the way we play, it is what it is. We’re not going to change because of that. It works for us. If it doesn’t work, then the coaches will change, and we’ll find a better way of playing.
“And I’m sure New Zealand feel the same about their side, the way they play, because they’re not changing from it.”
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A win of any margin would extend the Boks’ hold on the world No 1 ranking, while any All Blacks victory would send them back to the top of the standings.
Meanwhile, Kolisi had a message for Americans who are not familiar with rugby and are looking into Saturday’s clash.
“They should definitely come. I think Americans would really enjoy the game, the values and what it stands for as well.”
Photo: Floris van Schouwenburg/Gallo Images
The post Siya wired to win the Springbok way appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Siya Kolisi says the Boks are ready for the All Blacks to bring “something different” to deny South Africa glory in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider on Saturday.
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