Siya Kolisi has etched his name alongside South African rugby legend John Smit after leading the Springboks to another memorable victory over the All Blacks.
South Africa’s 29–24 triumph over New Zealand at FNB Stadium was about more than taking a 2–1 lead in the four-Test series. It also saw Kolisi reach a remarkable personal milestone.
The Springbok captain has now recorded his 54th victory as South Africa’s captain, drawing level with former skipper John Smit for the most wins by a Springboks captain.
It is another remarkable chapter in Kolisi’s already extraordinary international career.
Kolisi one win away from history
Kolisi will now have the opportunity to move clear of Smit when the Springboks face the All Blacks again in the United States next week.
A victory in that encounter would give Kolisi an outright record that has stood as one of the most significant benchmarks in South African rugby.
For a player who has already captained South Africa to two Rugby World Cup triumphs, reaching the 54-win mark adds another extraordinary achievement to his legacy.
Kolisi’s leadership has become synonymous with the modern Springboks, with the flanker repeatedly guiding South Africa through high-pressure matches against the world’s leading rugby nations.
Malcolm Marx: “This is ridiculous mauling”
The Springboks’ latest victory also produced plenty of excitement among the players.
Malcolm Marx summed up the mood with a memorable reaction:
“This is ridiculous mauling.”
The comment perfectly captured the intensity of a contest in which South Africa once again relied on their physicality, set-piece strength and relentless pressure.
The Springboks eventually held off a determined All Blacks fightback to secure the five-point victory in front of a passionate home crowd.
Another chapter in the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry
The victory was South Africa’s latest statement in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.
New Zealand fought hard throughout the match, with Ardie Savea scoring twice, but the Springboks managed to produce the crucial moments needed to stay ahead.
For Kolisi, however, the result carried an additional significance.
The 54th victory places him level with Smit, another iconic Springbok captain who led South Africa during a hugely successful era that included the 2007 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Now Kolisi stands just one victory away from claiming the record outright.
History awaits in the USA
With the series currently standing at 2–1 in South Africa’s favour, attention now turns to the final Test in the United States.
A Springbok victory would not only give South Africa another series win over their old rivals but would also allow Kolisi to make history as the winningest captain in Springbok history.
From lifting the Rugby World Cup to breaking leadership records, Kolisi continues to build one of the greatest legacies in South African rugby.
One more win. One more record. Siya Kolisi is on the brink of history.
