Siya Kolisi has dismissed criticism of the Springboks' playing style ahead of the series decider against New Zealand in Baltimore, insisting the world champions remain focused on their own standards rather than external opinion.
South Africa lead the Greatest Rivalry series 2-1 following last weekend's victory in Johannesburg, and Kolisi made clear his side are targeting an outright series win in front of an expectant American crowd. "We don't want to draw the series. We want to win the series, so that's our mindset coming this week," the captain told the press on Friday.
The Springboks have faced questions over their attacking output during the series, despite remaining unbeaten throughout their recent campaigns. Kolisi rejected the notion that such criticism carries weight within the squad. "The expectations we go on about are what we want from each other; what anybody says about is outside our circle doesn't really matter," he said. "We do what works for us, we know who we are, and we stick to the way we play, so we will play the Springbok way, and that's not just one way."
Mo'unga return adds new dimension
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick acknowledged the challenge posed by Richie Mo'unga's return to the All Blacks starting lineup, his first Test start since the 2023 World Cup final. "Richie Mo'unga, we know him well. He was world-class. I think as a coaching staff, we did expect that selection," Stick told the media at the team hotel. The fly-half's presence is expected to sharpen New Zealand's attacking threat in the wider channels, an area where the Springboks had contained Ruben Love in the previous two fixtures.
Stick suggested the All Blacks would adopt a more expansive approach with Mo'unga orchestrating proceedings. "I think they're going to be even more bold tomorrow when it comes to keeping the ball alive and trying to use the space in the wider channels. And we know how dangerous it is, but we've played against them many times," he said.
The Springboks enter the Baltimore Test with momentum from consecutive victories, but Kolisi's comments underline the squad's determination to close out the series rather than allow New Zealand a share of the spoils. With Mo'unga's return adding fresh intrigue to the All Blacks' attacking structure, the final Test presents a distinct tactical challenge for a South African side intent on maintaining their recent dominance in the rivalry.