Former All Blacks back-rower Murray Mexted has praised the “charismatic” Siya Kolisi for uniting the Springboks when the country itself remains divided.
The flanker was named the national team captain in 2018 and has led them to back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023.
Those successes brought the country together with iconic figure Kolisi providing a unifying presence.
Although Mexted, who recently visited South Africa, claims that they are still a country divided, that is very much not the case in rugby.
‘Charismatic leaders are normally successful’
“He’s charismatic and charismatic leaders are normally successful, and he’s certainly that. He’s the perfect man for the job at the moment, particularly when you look at the complications within South Africa,” the ex-number eight told DSPN with Martin Devlin.
“I was there about 10 days ago and I couldn’t believe the changes in the last few years. You can see the balance within the game of rugby compared to their society is poles apart. They are united in rugby but they’re not united as a country.”
It has been a difficult road for South African rugby but, after being accepted back into the international game in 1992, they have won four World Cup titles.
Following victories in 1995 and 2007, they are the two-time defending champions and are looking for an unprecedented three-peat in Australia in 2027.
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Springboks momentum
The momentum has remained, with the Springboks currently still at the top of the rankings and enjoying a superb 2024.
Rassie Erasmus, the Boks boss who has also become an icon in South Africa, is rebuilding the side as they aim to introduce some younger talent ahead of the next World Cup.
It all adds up to rugby union reaching fever pitch in the country.
“It’s a great example. In my rugby period, I’ve seen the game of rugby in South Africa go from maybe the second-most popular sport in the country to the most popular,” Mexted added.
“Everybody knows about rugby in that country, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, everyone knows about it which is a marvellous thing.
“It’s great for the game, it’s great for bringing people together and it’s great for developing leaders in tough scenarios, and Kolisi’s one of those.”
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Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/all-blacks-great-south-africa-are-united-in-rugby-but-not-as-a-country
