New Zealand: Springbok captain Siya Kolisi dismisses notion of a ‘tough’ year for the All Blacks
South Africa skipper Siya Kolisi doesn’t believe that the All Blacks have endured a poor season, despite talk of the contrary over the year.
New Zealand opened the campaign with four defeats in their opening six matches, which left their head coach Ian Foster teetering on the brink.
However, a 35-23 victory over Kolisi’s Springboks began their recovery before they claimed the Rugby Championship title and finished the Autumn Nations Series unbeaten.
They have not lost in the past seven matches and the Bok captain cannot see how the All Blacks have underachieved in 2022.
Won every competition
“It’s funny how you say it’s been a tough time for the All Blacks while they’ve won almost every competition they’ve played in,” he told SENZ Breakfast.
“That’s a good tough time to have. That just shows the expectation of the group and I think it’s an amazing group.”
New Zealand edged South Africa to the Rugby Championship title, leaving the Boks frustrated after going into the tournament as favourites.
Jacques Nienaber’s men therefore went into the end-of-year Tests searching for improvement.
Despite defeats to the top two sides in the world, Ireland and France, the performances showed promise, before they impressed against Italy and England.
“For us, we’ve been learning a lot and I think we’ve been improving quite a lot. I think this autumn series has helped us quite a lot and got us a lot of answers,” Kolisi added.
“A lot of players put their hand up so we would’ve loved to win all four games but I think we got the answers we needed.”
South Africa’s victory over England on Saturday was particularly outstanding as they secured a 27-13 triumph at Twickenham.
It gives the Boks momentum as they head into a huge 2023, where they will look to defend their Rugby World Cup title.
Important victory
“For most of us it was the first time winning in Twickenham,” Kolisi added.
“We know what we can do and we really trust every single guy in the team. For some people it could’ve been their last time playing (at Twickenham) because next year is a World Cup.
“Everybody had to stand up and I thought the way we fought together as a group after the two close losses against Ireland and France, and then we obviously put a good performance against Italy.
“We knew this meant so much, not just for us but for the people back at home. As tough as the tour was, the people didn’t stop supporting us.
“It just reminded us of what we’re playing for and what a privilege it is and we have to deliver on the day.”
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