Siya: Hanekom 'at home' with Boks

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Siya Kolisi backs debutant Cameron Hanekom to shine against Wales on Saturday, describing the loose forward as a “special player” with a bright Springbok future.

Hanekom, the only uncapped player in the Bok match-day 23 for the Cardiff clash, offers versatility as he can slot in across the back row.

The 22-year-old's tour squad selection only came after Damian Willemse’s injury, and provides Rassie Erasmus with a dynamic option off the bench this week.

Speaking in a Bok conference on Friday, Kolisi praised the former Junior Springbok's ability to adapt quickly to the high standards and camaraderie of the national side.

“It can be tough [coming into a star-studded Bok side],” the skipper told reporters. “When I first started, I was playing with guys like Jean de Villiers, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana … people you used to watch or play as on PlayStation.

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“What’s nice about this group is that we want you to be yourself so that you can be the best for the team. After a couple of days, he saw that. We were making jokes and making fun of him, and then he started making fun of you in return. I know he feels at home now.”

Kolisi emphasised that comfort leads to performance: “The quicker you can get somebody comfortable, the quicker they can be themselves and the better they will be for the team.

“He has earned this, and he’s worked hard. He must just come be Cameron Hanekom.”

The two-time World Cup winner also lauded Hanekom's all-round game. “He’s explosive, hard, and physical. He can fetch, tackle hard, run with the ball, jumps at the lineout … he’s got it all.

"I think he’s a special player and he is going to have many years in the Springbok jersey.”

Photo: @Springboks/Twitter

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