LONDON, Oct 4 – South Africa captain Siya Kolisi praised coach Rassie Erasmus for reshaping the team’s mentality after the Springboks cemented their dominance in world rugby by clinching consecutive Rugby Championship titles for the first time. Saturday’s 29-27 victory over Argentina at Twickenham confirmed South Africa as the southern hemisphere’s premier side, edging out New Zealand on points difference.
Although the scoreline suggested a close contest, the game was a celebration of the Springboks’ extraordinary consistency, built on a foundation of discipline, resilience, and unshakable self-belief. Argentina, who finished the match strongly, pushed South Africa to their limits but were unable to deny the champions their triumph. The match drew a capacity crowd of 70,300, all witnessing another remarkable chapter in the Springboks’ story.
Changing the Mindset
Reflecting on the team’s journey, Kolisi highlighted the pivotal role Erasmus played in transforming South Africa’s approach to the game. “I wore this jersey during times when it was difficult to get a win, and when people didn’t even want to watch us play,” Kolisi said during a post-match press conference. “Now, no matter the challenge, we know how to fight, how to dig deep, and how to find a way to win.”
Kolisi emphasized that Erasmus’ influence extended beyond tactics and training. “Rassie joined the team and immediately introduced a fresh mindset. He taught us to put ourselves aside and understand the bigger picture — that the Springboks are a great team and we need to perform as one,” Kolisi said. “He made us realize that we are part of something bigger than ourselves, that this team is for the country and will always represent more than just the players on the field.”
This perspective has resonated beyond rugby, Kolisi added, inspiring South Africans across the nation. “People from the communities we come from see what we’ve achieved and believe it’s possible for them as well. It shows that even in the toughest circumstances, perseverance and teamwork can lead to success.”
Close Contest Against Argentina
The match itself was a thrilling contest. South Africa had to work hard to secure the championship, having earned crucial bonus-point victories over New Zealand and Argentina in previous rounds to set themselves up for this decisive encounter. Argentina’s late surge made the final minutes tense, despite South Africa’s commanding 29-13 lead earlier in the match.
“Argentina are strong competitors,” Erasmus said. “They take you to the edge, and you have to fight to stay in control. Even when the game became tight at the end, we kept our composure and made sure we held onto the series victory.”
Erasmus acknowledged that while the result was satisfying, there were areas for improvement. “I’m not fully satisfied with every aspect of our performance, but it’s better to learn while winning than while losing. The team has shown character, and that’s invaluable for future matches.”
The Springboks demonstrated their strength and depth throughout the tournament. Just a week prior, they overcame a halftime deficit against Argentina in Durban, ultimately winning 67-30. Saturday’s match followed a similar pattern, with South Africa trailing 13-10 at halftime before asserting dominance in the second half, only to concede two late tries to their determined opponents.
Kolisi reflected on the competitiveness of the championship as a whole, noting the improvement of all participating teams. “The Rugby Championship has been exceptional because any team could have won at any stage. It’s a testament to the progress of every union, and it makes our victory even more meaningful.”
Historic Achievement
For Erasmus and the Springboks, this championship represented more than just another trophy. With potential changes looming in the international rugby calendar, Saturday’s win may mark the last chance for a while to capture the southern hemisphere’s premier competition. “New Zealand has retained this title many times, given the strength of their teams,” Erasmus said. “We’ve never done it before, and that made this victory incredibly motivating and significant for us.”
This historic double triumph reinforces the Erasmus-Kolisi era as one of the most successful periods in South African rugby history. With two World Cup victories and now back-to-back Rugby Championship titles, the duo has created a legacy that extends beyond trophies, inspiring pride, resilience, and hope across the nation.
Kolisi summarized the team’s ethos succinctly: “We know how to fight, how to rise to the occasion, and how to make our country proud. This team has become a symbol of what’s possible when dedication, hard work, and unity come together.”