Siya Kolisi has praised South African fans and shared insights after the Springboks’ victory over Scotland, reflecting on team growth, resilience and the journey ahead as they reclaim top rankings.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed deep gratitude for South African supporters after his team’s impressive 32-15 win over Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

While Kolisi began the game on the bench, his leadership presence was unmistakable as he celebrated alongside his teammates and reflected on the victory, the fans, and what lies ahead for the Springboks.

The 33-year-old flanker, who typically captains the Springboks, watched from the sidelines as Eben Etzebeth led the team for Sunday evening’s game.

Kolisi entered the field later in the match, contributing to a solid team performance that saw the Boks score four tries, securing a strong start to their UK tour.

The victory returned South Africa to the No. 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings, a momentous achievement for the reigning Rugby World Cup champions.

Kolisi began by acknowledging the overwhelming support from the South African fans who showed up in full force in Edinburgh.

“First of, I want to say to all the South Africans that came out, thank you so much,” Kolisi said after the match as per The South African.

“It was so great to see you guys in the streets of Edinburgh. Honestly, we are nothing without you. Wherever we go in the world, you make sure you are there, thank you so much.”

 itself, Kolisi praised Scotland’s performance, acknowledging the challenge they posed for the Springboks.

“We knew it was going to be tough against Scotland, they are a great team,” Kolisi shared.

“Today, they were very different to what they were in the World Cup…so they came with a kicking game, and they can attack as well. They put us under pressure, but credit to my boys. We made sure we kept our discipline on our try line, and we defended as well as we could.”

Kolisi’s appreciation for the victory was clear, yet he emphasized the team’s commitment to continual improvement.

When asked if he found it unusual to start on the bench, Kolisi responded with characteristic humility and dedication to the team’s success.

“Yeah, we got the win, that is the most important thing,” he said.

“We are going to build from this. We knew it was going to be tough, but this is what I enjoy about this team – there is always space for growth. The coaches always have a plan…squad depth and growth is important.”

This game marked Kolisi’s 90th appearance for the Springboks, having captained the team in 59 of those Tests.

His influence and resilience have been foundational to the team’s journey, and he is widely respected not only by his teammates but also by South African fans worldwide.

The win over Scotland provided a confidence boost for the Springboks as they gear up for another test against England next week.

Kolisi acknowledged the excitement of regaining the top spot in the World Rugby rankings but kept his sights set on the challenges ahead.

“That’s good (that Boks returned to the top of the rankings), but we go next week again against England,” he remarked.

Paarwater was far from pleased with his boys’ performances despite their narrow 27-25 win over Uganda in the Elgon Cup first leg clash that took place in Nairobi.

Following a gritty 27-25 victory over Uganda Cranes on Saturday, Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater expressed concern over a key tactical issue that could jeopardise their chances in the upcoming Elgon Cup return leg.

Held at Nairobi’s RFUEA Grounds, the clash rekindled the fierce rivalry between the East African rugby giants, with Kenya edging ahead by the slimmest of margins.

As the Simbas prepare for the November 16 rematch in Kampala, Paarwater revealed his primary worry: discipline around the tackle area.

Paarwater acknowledged his squad’s limited preparation time yet remains optimistic about improvements. 

“I think we knew it was going to be tough because we only had a short time to prepare,” Paarwater stated.

“In terms of what we wanted out of the game, we can only be better going forward. But the most concerning issue was our discipline around the tackle area. The referee caught us a couple of times, and that’s something we must address.”

The coach emphasized the need to limit penalties, noting that while some were open to interpretation, discipline around set pieces remains a critical area for improvement.

“Some penalties were a bit 50-50, especially at set pieces, but this game gave us a platform to identify areas to work on. Next week, we have to be sharper,” he added.

Captain George Nyambua, a Kabras Sugar standout, echoed his coach’s sentiments.

Nyambua pointed to the need for a detailed review session before the rematch, acknowledging that Kenya’s performance was hampered by costly penalties on offsides and high tackles.

“We need to sit down and review the videos to identify where we went wrong and what worked. We gave away too many penalties, particularly on offsides and high tackles, which we’ll need to correct before heading to Kampala,” Nyambua observed.

As the Simbas look to defend their slim lead in the Elgon Cup second leg, Paarwater’s focus on discipline around tackles could prove decisive.

The stakes are high, and Kenya’s chances of sealing victory in Kampala hinge on their ability to reduce penalties and improve their tactical approach.