Siya Kolisi has framed Saturday's test against New Zealand at Soccer City as more than a series decider, invoking the weight of Soweto's history as added motivation for the Springboks.
With the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series locked at 1-1, victory in Soweto would effectively settle the South African leg of the tour regardless of the outcome of the final match in Baltimore on September 12, which both camps acknowledge will carry more of an exhibition feel.
The 87,500-capacity Soccer City presents the Springboks with a historically difficult venue. South Africa has lost both previous tests there — 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012 — and Kolisi is acutely aware of what a first win at the ground would mean.
"So many things that happened in Soweto helped shape the South Africa we have today," Kolisi said. "So many heroes have come from there and a lot of the football history of this country is from Soweto, so we know how special that is."
Kolisi was direct about the layers of meaning attached to the occasion. "We're not going to act like it's not a special ground in a significant area. All of that gives us more to play for. We are also thankful for the people who came from there and fought for people like me to be sitting here today. They fought for the freedom we have now and never got to experience it, and giving our best tomorrow is part of us saying thank you."
On the competitive stakes, Kolisi kept focus firmly on the series outcome. "Our ultimate goal is to win the series, while we are well aware of what their motivation is. We also want to protect what we stand for as South Africans."