Siya Kolisi revealed the Springboks drew inspiration from supporters who could not afford to watch them as they claimed a historic 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The skipper spoke of the emotion stirred by children sprinting alongside the team bus through Soweto, a sight that sharpened the squad's resolve in a match they trailed with almost an hour played. Malcolm Marx's late try, celebrated with three fist-pumps into the turf, sealed the Springboks' first Test victory at the venue after defeats in 2010 and 2012. The only previous win at the stadium had come against Argentina in 2013.
"Driving through Soweto, seeing how the kids were sprinting to come see the bus, like they can't afford to come and see us," Kolisi said. "But seeing that and understanding the history that has happened here in Soweto — people fought for me to be able to sit here, for us to be here today. That's why we wanted the game here and we wish more people can come and see the game, but it was encouraging to see the kids just chasing the bus on the way and waving at us and that's really special and that's [who] we play for."
Erasmus struck by affordability reality
Rassie Erasmus admitted the occasion had affected him deeply, particularly the realisation that many township residents remained priced out of attending. "I was unbelievably emotional today because I wanted us to come to Soweto and take it to the people and then I thought when we got here 'they don't have the money to come into the stadium' and then we had a chat about that," the coach said.
The victory, which gave the Springboks a 2-1 lead in the series, was built on resilience after New Zealand had not lost the try count in any of the three Tests. Jesse Kriel's muscular finish restored the lead before Marx's maul try provided the decisive margin. The result capped three contrasting South African performances across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Soweto, each requiring different tactical and emotional responses from Erasmus's squad.
Kolisi emphasised the broader significance of the win. "Not only the ones that can afford [tickets], every single South African and the way we had to fight today, that's what made it even more special. We are really grateful that we came here and hopefully in future when we come back here again more people from here can come in and get to watch us play."
The series concludes in Baltimore on Saturday, though the result in Soweto has already secured South Africa's first series victory over New Zealand on home soil since the corresponding fixture window. Whether the fourth Test carries the same weight remains to be seen, but the Springboks have already delivered the statement they sought in front of a community whose support, visible or otherwise, provided the emotional fuel for another chapter in this rivalry.