TOP OF THE PILE: Serial winners, underrated captain — Boks’ curious status after beating All Blacks
After a slow start, the Springboks deservedly won the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1 against the All Blacks. Outside South Africa, though, the Boks are still not universally loved.
The Springboks, the South African national rugby team, defeated the All Blacks in a thrilling series of four Tests, ending a long-standing rivalry with a 3-1 victory. Outside of South Africa, the team's success has been met with mixed reactions, as being the best team in the world can often lead to envy and dislike, particularly on social media platforms.
This sentiment has been fueled by the Boks' unprecedented success in recent years, with Siya Kolisi leading the team since 2018. Over the past three years, the Boks have enjoyed an impressive 85% win rate, despite rotating more than 50 players. They hold multiple prestigious titles, including the Webb Ellis Cup, the Freedom Cup, and the Mandela Plate, among others.
The team's success has been attributed to the visionary leadership of coach Rassie Erasmus, who has built a versatile team capable of adapting to various playing styles. This innovative approach to management has allowed the Boks to maintain their dominance in the sport. Kolisi's leadership has been particularly noteworthy, as he has earned a reputation as both a skilled player and an inspiring captain.
His selfless play and dedication to the team have earned him the respect of his teammates, with many acknowledging his invaluable contributions behind the scenes.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
