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āWe play for the nationā: Kolisi on Springboksā comeback win over France
By Finn Morton
Captain Siya Kolisi watched on from the sidelines as the Springboks looked to close out their thrilling Rugby World Cup quarter-final against tournament hosts Frace on Sunday evening. It was an all-time classic, but there could only be one winner.
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With the Test in the balance, Kolisi was replaced early in the second term. The skippersā night was over but the Springboksā still had a job to do against a confident French outfit.
French fullback Thomas Ramos extended the hostsā lead to six points with a penalty goal shortly after Kolisi was replaced, but it was practically all South Africa from there. Lock Eben Etzebeth scored a decisive try with 13 minutes to play which allowed Handre Pollard to convert the go-ahead points.
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Pollard and Ramos traded penalties which saw the Boks lead by just one point with seven minutes to play. There were some big plays, and Kolisi was pretty animated on the sidelines as the full-time siren began to warm up.
France had their moments, but the reigning world champions were simply too good in the end. Without their inspirational skipper on the field, the Springboks held on for a historic comeback win.
āI just thought we really wanted it,ā Kolisi said on the field after the one-point win. āWe knew how tough it was going to be.
āI must give credit to the guys that came off the bench, they made a huge difference. And the guys that didnāt play, the pictures they showed us, so we were ready for this game.
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āAnd most importantly, the people back at home. Honestly, the support that weāve received. You know, they canāt afford to be here but the videos, the schools singing for us and the videos. Thatās who we play for. You know our families that are here right now.
āWe play for the nation, itās not about us on this field any more, itās about the people back home and thatās whatās driving us. Win or lose they will see this kind of fight that you saw out there today.ā
Kolisi appeared more nervous, excited and frustrated as the Test went on. The match was an emotional roller coaster as the clock ticked closer and closer to the 80-minute mark, but the overwhelming feeling in the stadium was anxiousness.
There was a palpable feeling of nerves, excitement and surprise from both French and South African fans. This quarter-final had everything and itāll surely go down in history as one of the greats.
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āIt was a hard game. We knew how tough it was going to be with the French team at home and honestly, I just want to say well done to them for what theyāve achieved and how hard theyāve worked,ā Kolisi added.
āAnd also to the supporters, the people of France, itās been an amazing tournament and they can be proud of this team.ā
When did the Irish become such bad losers about legitimate refereeing decisions and so ignorant as to make that much noise during a haka?
Magnificent Captain, Kolisi.
Magnanimous and magnificent. That's a leader. These traits earns respect not only on the field, but in life.
Gespeel soos ysterpiel kobras šš
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Spoken like a true blue Grey Boy Sia. Our blood is green and also blueš¤©