Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has highlighted the respect and friendship that exist between South Africa and New Zealand, despite one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Kolisi shared a heartfelt message on Instagram on Friday, reflecting on the bond between players from the two nations while acknowledging the intensity of their battles on the rugby field.
The post featured several images, including photographs with All Blacks captain Ardie Savea and other New Zealand players.
Kolisi: Compete fiercely, respect always
The Springboks skipper’s message centred on the idea that fierce competition and mutual respect can exist side by side.
“Battle for 80min and respect always after,” Kolisi wrote, alongside a reference to Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
The message underlined the unique relationship between the Springboks and All Blacks, whose rivalry has become one of the defining contests in international rugby.
Kolisi and Savea have also developed a friendship away from rugby. The pair have previously spoken about their relationship, including their shared faith and time spent together away from the game.
Savea responded to Kolisi’s post with a simple message of affection: “Love it ❤️🤞🏿”.
A rivalry built on respect
The relationship between South Africa and New Zealand extends beyond what happens during an 80-minute Test.
While both teams are determined to beat each other whenever they meet, players from the two camps have frequently acknowledged the role their rivalry plays in pushing them to higher levels.
Kolisi’s post also included images involving All Blacks players Peter Lakai and Beauden Barrett, further highlighting the friendships that exist between members of the two squads.
The Springboks are currently preparing to face Australia at Perth’s Optus Stadium, while the long-standing rivalry with New Zealand remains an important part of the international rugby calendar.
For Kolisi, the message was clear: the fiercest battles can still be accompanied by genuine respect once the final whistle goes.
