'He cares about Siya from the township': Kolisi gushes over departing Nienaber

As South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber enters his final week with the team before joining Leinster after the World Cup, his captain Siya Kolisi has showered him in praise and admiration.

Kolisi eulogised over his coach after the Springboks’ epic World Cup semi-final comeback win over England on Saturday at the Stade de France, but it went far beyond the usual platitudes. This was an impassioned three minute speech about Nienaber as a person rather simply as a rugby coach.

Having known Leinster-bound coach since the age of 18, Kolisi did say that he learned how to tackle under his aegis, but he said that “he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field.”

South Africa post-match media briefing – World Cup semifinal

South Africa post-match media briefing – World Cup semifinal

“I was 18 years old,” the 2019 World Cup winning captain said. “I was contracted with the Cheetahs and then I was able to go to Western Province. That is when I met Jacques. He and coach Rassie used to come to the institute, the Western Province academy. That is where our foundation as a group [began].

“When Jacques came it was the full contact there and you had two show who you are. Every time they came it was intense. I got to know him then and as I went on he became my senior coach and one thing I love about him is he goes far deeper than what is happening on the field. He got to know me, my family and why I do what I do. He speaks to us with human courtesy.

“They don’t encourage us to tackle hard – we all know what that is. He knows my kids by name, asks me how I am doing as a person and that is why I can go and give him everything on the field because he cares about the person, he cares about Siya from the township. For the teams, especially in big moments, he talks about each and every player’s journey.

“It is so special to be known as a person not just as an object or a rugby player. That’s what he brings to this team. And the fact that he allows families to be around, how much he loves to see our kids running around. I know some teams are not allowed to have families, but that is what he creates, that family environment. I have enjoyed every single year that I’ve worked with him. The tough times too, when he comes and calls me out. He is always honest. I can’t explain how much I have enjoyed it.

“He and coach Rassie [Erasmus] love the country. Wherever he goes, they are going to be lucky. The detail he puts in, it makes life so much easier. All I have to do is watch a screen to see what opportunities are there. He’s a special coach and a special human being, an amazing father and a great husband. I will always be thankful. When I first met him I couldn’t tackle.”