Springbok captain Siya Kolisi believes that Scotland will field one of their strongest teams ever when they take on South Africa at Murrayfield in Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon. But the reigning world champions and the top ranked team in the world are eager to give it their all for the whole 80 minutes.
Scotland has been playing some of their best rugby this season. They are fresh from a 15-13 victory over Australia last week and they also picked up wins over France, Italy and England during the Six Nations.
The Springboks are expecting a close contest, but they will be looking to take the fight to the Scottish and to maintain that intensity for as long as it takes.
“It will be tight. Both teams are prepared and both teams are playing well and are on form, but you can never tell what will happen. They might score early in the game. We might score early in the game. It’s going to be a good day. We have an early start, 1 o’clock this side. It’s going to be tight because they have a great set-piece. So, I’m looking forward to the challenge, whatever it is. We are prepared to go the whole way longer than 80 minutes if we have to,” Siya Kolisi elaborates.
Playing against Scotland brings back fond memories for the captain. He made his debut against Scotland at the Mbombela Stadium on June the 15th 2013. With his father in the stands, Kolisi came on as a replacement in the fifth minute and was named Man of the Match in South Africa’s 30-17 victory.
“I always put emotions in every single game whether I am captain or not. The title is a bonus, a huge responsibility, privilege and honour, but just being part of the team is an honour for me. It doesn’t give me extra wings or anything, but I always want to play well every single game. It’s always great playing in Scotland. The memory will always last with me forever. I still remember how I felt. It was a close game. We were losing. I will never forget that game,” Kolisi added.
The Springboks have only suffered two defeats against Scotland at Murrayfield since 1994 – in 2002 and 2010 – and they will certainly be looking to extend their 11-year winning streak come 3pm South African time on Saturday.
