Siya Kolisi dismissed any suggestion that historical dominance over Les Bleus gives the Springboks a psychological edge for Friday night at the Stade de France.
The world champions return to the venue where they have beaten Fabien Galthié’s men five consecutive times – including the 29-28 quarter-final victory three years ago en route to retaining the Webb Ellis Cup.
Last year, the Boks won 32-17 in the corresponding fixture, but speaking ahead of this week’s Nations Championship clash, Kolisi emphasised what’s happened previously counts for nothing now.
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“Every game we take as it comes. What happened last year is gone,” the two-time World Cup-winning skipper said on Thursday.
“We’ve changed as a group, and we’ve changed a bit in the way we play, so we don’t get stuck on things that have happened before. We can’t stay there for too long.
“This is a new game, a new opportunity. It’s not the same as what we played in 2023 and in last year’s game. There are a few guys who haven’t played there before. It’s a new challenge, so we’re not stuck on what has happened there.
“But we also don’t forget how they must feel. We’ve also been there, playing against teams that have beaten us in the past. We move forward to the next game.”
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There are seven new players to the Bok 23 from last year. Winger Ethan Hooker, scrumhalf Morné van den Berg and prop Ox Nché will start, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Franco Mostert, Cameron Hanekom and Paul de Villiers are among the replacements.
Kolisi has urged them to enjoy the occasion, but stressed that once the match kicks off, the focus shifts to the contest.
“It’s like a theatre. I remember playing last year, and the crowd gets really passionate,” the 35-year-old added. “They’re going to experience the atmosphere, and it’s beautiful.
“The way the French do the game-day experience is honestly one of the best I’ve ever seen, so it’s something to feel and enjoy beforehand.
“But once the whistle goes, then it’s game time. It’s just you and the guy opposite you, and that’s all that matters.”
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Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
The post It’s game time for Siya in French ‘theatre’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Siya Kolisi dismissed any suggestion that historical dominance over Les Bleus gives the Springboks a psychological edge for Friday night at the Stade de France.
The post It’s game time for Siya in French ‘theatre’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
