VIDEO: Bok captain's strong message to contenders for his jersey

Yesterday at 04:02 AM

SPOTLIGHT - CARDIFF: Siya Kolisi will not give up his Bok jersey easily as he eyes the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

As captain, Kolisi has led his team to back-to-back World Cup titles, and he is hungry for more.

The 33-year-old, who will win his 92nd Bok cap against Wales on Saturday, has been in fine form for his country this year and he believes Rassie Erasmus' rotation policy has helped the old guard keep fresh when it matters.

There is still a lot of rugby to be played until the next World Cup and Kolisi admits it is a constant fight to prove that he is still worthy.

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"I always think I can do better," said Kolisi. "I've had some good moments this year.

"I am really happy with how my body has held up. It's been a long year.

"I haven't had a break since my ACL injury. I have been playing throughout and I am going back now to play in the URC," he added referring to the knee injury that had the whole country sweating ahead of last year's World Cup in France.

He added: "I always wonder when I am not going to able to keep up, but I'm good and it's the way the squad has been rotated.

"As much as we want to play all the games, I know coach Rassie has a plan and we buy into it.

"By the time we get an opportunity to play, we feel fresh and other guys are getting opportunities and the squad depth is growing.

"In my mind, I would love to go to 2027, but it's all about if I can still produce and keep up and not miss training on Mondays. Then, definitely, I want to go.

"For now, it's just about this weekend and then playing in the URC and seeing how the body is and then going again next year and fight.

"I still have to perform for my club [Sharks] to try and get the opportunity to play in that [Springbok] jersey, but I definitely want to play as long as I am still good enough.

"I am not just going to give it away. I can't give it up."

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Kolisi admits that his return to Durban from French Top 14 outfit Racing 92 did him a world of good.

The Bok captain still had two years left on his Racing contract before he rejoined the Sharks and he couldn't be happier.

"The Top 14 is long and hard - you have 26 round-robin games," he said

"Being home helps a lot because of the things you can do.

"I love going to the township after a game and having braai and being with friends.

"I also have the foundation. All those things are important.

"When you are tired and you don't want to go anymore, I go for a walk or go to the township, then it reminds me of why I am playing rugby."

He added: "We are so much more than just rugby players. Some people say we've got them through difficult periods.

"There are stories that come out of the team that people can relate to.

"They know that we are just ordinary people, who just got an opportunity and decided to work hard and that is the story of many South Africans.

"Being at home, you get to see all of that and you get to feel all that kind of love and the inspiration that you look for.

"I love being South African. There is nothing better and there are no better people to play for.

"They wear their hearts on their sleeves. They are like warrior supporters and they will fight for us."

@rugby365com