‘We Know What it Feels Like To Be Beaten’: Kolisi Defiant As Boks Prepare For Brutal England Clash
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Siya Kolisi expect a fired-up England side when the teams meet in their opening Nations Championship clash at Ellis Park on Saturday, warning that the contest will be a physical battle.
Although the Springboks are ranked first in the world and England sixth, both Stick and Kolisi insisted the rankings would count for little once the teams take the field in Johannesburg. Kick-off is at 17:40, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport.
“If you look at the performances of their players at club level, and a guy like Finn Smith starting at flyhalf ahead of an experienced player like George Ford, they’ll bring a lot of energy,” Stick said.
“Their backline has players with massive pace and plenty of X-factor, so they’ll certainly pose a threat.
“That said, we’ve also prepared well, and we know it’s going to be a tough game. Matches between us are usually won and lost up front, and England take great pride in that area of their game. We’ll make sure our boys are ready because it’s going to be a massive Test. They also have a strong kicking game, so it will be a challenge, but we’ll be prepared.”
Expanding on what the Springboks expect from England, Stick added: “They kick well, they are strong in the contestable kicking game, and they have Finn Smith, who can attack, along with dangerous outside backs who have shown they can run. I also have no doubt they’ll have worked hard on their set pieces because that’s always been one of their strengths.”
Despite home-ground advantage and their status as the world’s top-ranked team, Kolisi dismissed suggestions that the Springboks were overwhelming favourites.
“We listen to our coaches, and we know what it feels like to be beaten,” Kolisi said.
“We never walk into any match thinking we’re definitely going to win. If we did, we wouldn’t have prepared the way we have this week. We’ve seen what England have done in Test matches before, and we know the form they’re in, so we’re in a good space mentally as a team.
“Playing against them is always a big occasion. They always pitch up, and we’re excited because we know how much this game means to them and to us.”
On the prospect of facing England flank Tom Curry, Kolisi said: “He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played against. I remember playing against him since 2018, and then again in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final. He’s a special human being, and I love playing against him. Tomorrow will be no different.”
Asked about the pressure on the Springboks heading into the match, Kolisi said: “There’s always pressure. You’d be silly to feel comfortable. But I think that’s what keeps us going.”
England may have endured a disappointing Six Nations campaign, but Kolisi believes that should not detract from the quality they possess.
“We’ve analysed them, and results-wise, I don’t think we can read too much into their Six Nations campaign because, if you look at their last game against France, they almost won it in the final seconds, and France are one of the best teams in the world,” he said.
“They’re going to be fired up for this match and will bring plenty of physicality. They almost knocked us out of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in the semi-final, and one thing we learned from that game is that if you don’t execute your plan well against England, they have the ability to punish you.
“They’re physically aggressive, even under the high ball. So, whatever they’ve done in the past won’t matter. What will make the difference is whether we pitch up. We know they’re in a good mental space, and several of their players are in excellent form for their clubs, so they’ll bring great energy. If we don’t execute our set pieces and kicking game well, we’re going to be in trouble.”
