Springboks captain Siya Kolisi reveals what he said to Cheslin Kolbe after the Rugby World Cup final

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has revealed what he said to teammate Cheslin Kolbe after the final whistle of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

When Wayne Barnes blew his whistle to signify the conclusion of the game, Kolisi and Kolbe were both on the sidelines—the former following a substitution, the latter following a yellow card.

Kolbe was crying in the sin bin since he couldn’t see the rest of the game, and when it was finished, Kolisi gave the winger a short hug to cheer him on and comfort him.

At the time, the Bok captain’s actions were praised by the crowd, and he was seen talking to the winger, who was worried that he might cost South Africa the game.

What Kolisi told Kolbe

Kolisi had also been yellow carded earlier in the match and understood how his teammate felt in the final moments of the game and has now revealed what he said to Kolbe.

“I just told him that I love him,” the Bok captain told the The Big Jim Show.

“I knew what was going through his head, he couldn’t watch that last bit and it was the same while I was sitting there as well (in the sin bin) when I got the yellow card.

“I just remember telling him I love him, I’m so proud of him, how happy I was and all he did was cry. It’s so crazy, the last World Cup final (2019) I ran to him first as well. I ran, and he was the first person that I gave a hug too.”

Kolisi on his sin binning

During the final, All Blacks captain Sam Cane was yellow carded for his high tackle on Jesse Kriel. The incident was sent to be reviewed by the Foul Play Review Officer. Upon review, his yellow card was upgraded to a red, ending his involvement in the showpiece event.

Kolisi faced a similar fate in the second half when he tackled Ardie Savea, resulting in a yellow card and a review.

Jim Hamilton questioned Kolisi about his fear of receiving a red card for his tackle.

Kolisi said, “I’ll be honest with you—I wasn’t.”

“I struck him on the chest, and the blow that struck his head was the follow through.” It wasn’t clear; I am aware of my regulations.

After the All Blacks, South Africa would go on to win the final 12–11, making history as the only side to win consecutive Rugby World Cups.

By doing this, Kolisi became one of the few captains to have won the William Webb Ellis Cup twice, along with Richie McCaw.