Siya Kolisi will return to the field against Georgia this weekend, marking his first match of the season. Image: Siya Kolisi shared via Instagram @siyakolisi.
(The Post News)– Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will lead South Africa against Georgia in his first Test of the season at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, marking his eagerly awaited comeback to Test rugby.
After a good season with Sharks in the Ultimate Rugby Championship (URC). Kolisi returns to international play with this match, which also reopens a rarely visited chapter in Springbok history, since South Africa and Georgia have only faced each other twice at the Test level.
Saturday’s match is an uncommon meeting between the two rugby nations. The last encounter took place in Pretoria in July 2021, one week prior to the British & Irish Lions tour. The Springboks, still getting their groove back after being disrupted by COVID-19, won 40-9 in a tough match that put their forward pack to the test. The only other game took place during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where South Africa won 46-19 in a group stage encounter.
Despite not being among the conventional Tier 1 rugby nations. Georgia has gained recognition throughout the world for their aggressive style and strong scrum. In order to secure their spot in the top Test rugby league, the Lelos, as they are known, have frequently challenged teams with higher rankings.
South Africa’s strategy combines established players with upcoming talent in front of this year’s Rugby Championship. Kolisi, who memorably won the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and guided the Boks to a second consecutive title in 2023, will be crucial.
During the team announcement, Kolisi said that “every test match is important,” adding that the Boks have respect for the Lelos and what they bring. He also expressed that it is nice to be back in the jersey with the squad—they want to start the season well.
The Springboks will play their first game at Mbombela Stadium since defeating Wales in 2022, and local fans are anticipated to pack the stands to celebrate the homecoming of their captain and the beginning of a new international campaign. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:05 local time.
Journalist-mathipa@thepostnews.net
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