The suffocating spotlight of life in South Africa took Siya Kolisi and his family to France after the last World Cup.
Yet, the specialness of living in the country brought him back to Durban for a second coming with the Sharks.
That is the opinion of Bok legend Eben Etzebeth, who is thrilled to have his old Stormers teammate back with him in Durban as the Sharks aim to give a full go at winning the upcoming United Rugby Championship season.
Etzebeth, speaking at an Engen-sponsored event this week, said the news of the Springbok captain’s early homecoming had warmed his heart.
Kolisi spent just over a year with Racing 92, and was released early from his contract because life did not work out for him with the Parisian club.
“It is amazing. In my career, it’s one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time off the field,” said Etzebeth in Cape Town.
“Going way back to our days at the Stormers when we shared rooms on tour, we have been very close.
“And before he left Durban for Paris, I told him, ‘I hope you are only there for a year. I know you signed for longer, but I hope you come back earlier’.”
Cape Town was 🔥#Springboks #ForeverGreenForeverGold #ViewFromTheStands pic.twitter.com/4qcALVB284
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 12, 2024
The Sharks are on a mission to build a URC-winning team, and with Kolisi back in the black and white, they have a virtual Springbok team, depending on who Rassie Erasmus is resting on any particular weekend.
In their ranks with Etzebeth and Kolisi are Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Jason Jenkins and Ruan Dreyer.
They are forwards, and in the back division are Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Andre Esterhuizen, Makazole Mapimpi, Lukhanyo Am, Jordan Hendrikse, Aphelele Fassi and Siya Masuku.
“When Siya was at the Sharks, after every game we got together with our families and we had a braai on the outer fields at Kings Park," Etzebeth explained.
“It is just special to have him back.”
The big No 4 added that it is a major boost for the local game to have his close friend Kolisi back where he belongs.
“He means so much for South Africa,” Etzebeth said. “He embodies what we want to be in terms of what he does in his off time for kids and people in need.
“He should be in South Africa, and he should be here helping with that. It is great to have him back. I just hope the whole of South Africa appreciates what it means to have him back.”
Kolisi’s work with his foundation is noticed by his teammates. “He is an unbelievable player and warrior,” Etzebeth added.
“I think some people don’t see the donkey work he does and what he means for the team, but his teammates know what he does and it makes him so special,” the 32-year-old said.
Kolisi and Etzebeth are both in the Bok squad that leaves tomorrow to attempt to clinch the Rugby Championship title in Santiago.
Etzebeth is set to join Victor Matfield on a record 127 Springbok caps when the Boks play Argentina in Santiago del Estero on September 21.
“I like to only speak about that on the day it happens … Throughout my career, I’ve never wanted to speak about things before they happen. When it happens, it will be great. It’s not too far away. I don’t want to speak about it too much, but everyone’s talking about it.
“It’s all over the media, so it’s hard not to think about it. But I just want to play in the next Test match, and the one after that will mean I break the record, if I get the chance. It will be an unbelievable honour for me.
“It’s quite easy when you get selected for the Boks – it’s the only motivation you need. You want to keep performing because you want to be on the field the next week.
“It was great to win the Freedom Cup. The Rugby Championship is not done yet, and it’s not going to be easy (in Argentina). You don’t see the Wallabies getting 60 against them often, and beating New Zealand in New Zealand is also a big result for them.”
The Boks are well clear of the Los Pumas on the table, but need one win from their home-and-away games against the Argentinians to clinch the title.
The Boks would prefer to clinch it in Santiago rather than have it all on the line in the Championship closer in Mbombela.
Meanwhile, Lions No 9 Morné van den Berg was yesterday called up as an injury replacement for Grant Williams for the trip to South America.
Williams started in last weekend’s 18-12 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town, and has sustained a “knock to the arm”.
“It’s always sad to lose a player to injury, and we feel for Grant who has been waiting patiently for his chance to start this season, which he finally achieved last week,” said Bok coach Erasmus.
“But we have great squad depth, and if one player is injured it opens the door for another player to make a statement.
“Morné has only played to two Tests so far, and facing Argentina at home is a completely different challenge to what he has faced so far, as is the case with many of the younger players in the touring squad.
“If he receives the opportunity to play, it will be a great way for the coaches to see how he handles with that type of pressure, and it would also be a stern test for him personally.”