Siya Kolisi has underscored the emotional and historical significance of Saturday's third Test against New Zealand at Soccer City in Soweto, framing the match as an opportunity for the Springboks to express gratitude to their supporters through performance.
Speaking on Friday before the double-header that includes the first meeting between the Springboks Women and Black Ferns on South African soil, Kolisi made clear that victory is the primary objective. "We obviously want to win the game, but also to just say thank you to the people of South Africa," Kolisi said. "The number of people who show up at the stadium and the vibe that's in there – we feel it, and we see it."
The Springboks captain expanded on the connection between the team and the broader South African public, referencing the support the squad receives even from those unable to attend matches. "Even the people that can't afford to come – when we're driving on the bus and homeless people get up and when they see a bus and they scream," Kolisi said. "We spoke about it already, we know it's the last time [at home this year] and then this is the memory the people of South Africa will remember but hopefully we can give them a good memory and we want to say thank you not just by words but through our efforts tomorrow."
Historical significance of Soweto venue
The choice of Soccer City, located in the sprawling Johannesburg township of Soweto, carries particular resonance. Kolisi acknowledged the area's deep roots in South Africa's history and its association with the struggle against apartheid. "So many things that happened in Soweto helped shape the South Africa we have today," Kolisi told reporters. "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."
The Springboks captain drew a direct line between the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom and the team's current opportunity. "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," Kolisi said. "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. Hopefully we can do that with a win and change the history between the two teams here."
The Springboks have faced New Zealand twice previously at Soccer City, losing both encounters. The All Blacks won 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012, adding an additional layer of motivation for the hosts.
Series stakes and forward focus
With the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour level at 1-1, Saturday's match effectively serves as the series decider. The fourth Test in Baltimore on 12 September will carry more of an exhibition feel, making the Soweto fixture the critical contest for both sides. Some 87,500 tickets have been sold for the clash.
Kolisi framed the match in terms of both immediate and broader objectives. "Our ultimate goal is to win the series, while we are well aware of what their motivation is," Kolisi said. "We also want to protect what we stand for as South Africans."
The Springboks will then face the Wallabies in Australia before travelling north for the second leg of the Nations Championship in November. For Rassie Erasmus' side, a 2-1 victory in the South African leg of the All Blacks series would represent a significant statement ahead of those fixtures and provide the home supporters with a lasting memory before the team's extended absence.