The Springboks’ mauling of Wales in Cardiff on Saturday was secondary to Siya Kolisi’s triumphant return to Test rugby after a long injury lay-off, writes MARK KEOHANE.
The world champions started what they hope will be a 78-day odyssey through Europe with an eight-try demolition of an inexperienced and outgunned Welsh team to win their World Cup warm-up 52-16, having led 24-9 at half time, at the Millennium Stadium.
It was the South Africans’ biggest win over the hosts in Cardiff – eclipsing a 34-12 victory in 2007 – and featured their most points in the Welsh capital (previous best 38) as the visitors delivered everything that could be expected of them.
Kolisi gave the scoring pass to Malcolm Marx in the left-hand corner for the opening try after shouldering into a tackle and offloading from Willie le Roux’s pass.
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He was replaced by Marco van Staden after an impressive first half from the inspirational captain, and writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane argues that in the bigger picture, all that mattered for SA was Kolisi’s minutes.
“Cardiff on Saturday was about what Siya Kolisi could do, and what it meant in the context of the 2023 World Cup defence over the next two months,” he writes.
“The eyes of the rugby world were on Kolisi, as much as the Boks. Let’s be honest, the Boks are such a more enjoyable prospect when Kolisi is in charge. He is the Rugby King. Long may he live.
“This match should never have had Test status. Welsh coach Warren Gatland’s starting backline had less than 40 international caps collectively.
“The score was secondary to Kolisi’s minutes. It was that sort of occasion, but for South Africa all that mattered was Siya Kolisi.”
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