Siya Kolisi sets new Springbok captaincy record as South Africa defeat All Blacks

Siya Kolisi became the most successful captain in Springboks history after leading South Africa to a 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday.

The win was Kolisi’s 55th as captain, moving him beyond the previous record of 54 held by John Smit. Despite reaching the milestone, the South Africa captain played down the individual achievement and credited the team’s wider leadership group and coaching staff for their success.

“If this were tennis it would be different, but this is a team sport. It shows the work Rassie Erasmus and his coaching staff put in,” he said after the match.

Kolisi also has one of the highest winning percentages among Springbok captains. His success rate stands at 74.3%, which places him third among players who have captained South Africa in at least 10 matches.

Only Joost van der Westhuizen, with an 80% winning percentage, and Morne Du Plessis, with 86.7%, rank above him in that category.

However, Kolisi said the strength of the current squad means his role is not based solely on his individual leadership.

“We’ve got so many leaders in this side that I really only have one job to do, which is focus on my own game.

“The way the coaches rotate the team and give other guys opportunities keeps everyone hungry. If you don’t get picked this week, you know your chance is coming. It also keeps us fresh so we’re not overplayed. It’s a group effort, and I’m really happy about that.”

Kolisi made a major physical contribution before being substituted, putting his body on the line during his time on the field. He continued to show his commitment from the sidelines, celebrating passionately whenever South Africa gained the upper hand against the All Blacks.

The match had added significance because it was played at FNB Stadium in Soweto. Kolisi said the occasion carried meaning for the entire team, particularly after players saw children running alongside the team bus in the hope of seeing the Springboks, despite being unable to afford tickets for the match.

“It was really special. We always say we won’t just say thank you in words, but through our effort. We were tested in that first 25 minutes; they came out firing, and we had to dig deep to fight our way back into it,” he said.

The captain said the team wanted its performance to represent people across the country, not only those able to attend the game.

“They can’t afford to come and watch us play, but seeing that, and understanding the history of this place, the young people who fought so that we could be sitting here today, that’s why we wanted this game here.

“That’s what we play for, not just the people who can afford it, but everyone.”

South Africa’s victory over New Zealand extended Kolisi’s record as the Springboks’ most successful captain, but he insisted the achievement belonged to a collective group rather than one individual.