Siya Kolisi: Boks playing for South Africa in high-stakes Ireland series decider

Siya Kolisi: Boks playing for South Africa in high-stakes Ireland series decider

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the team is playing for all South Africans when they take on Ireland in Saturday's massive series decider in Durban.

The Bok skipper also assured fans that they are well aware of the significance of the match, with a chance to well and truly claim bragging rights as the best side in the world by beating one of the main pretenders to the throne.

"We definitely want to win tomorrow. We are not entering this match with the view that we are one up in the series. It's a new game, so for us it is 0-0, and it is important for the team to come away with a victory," Kolisi stated.

"We've been working hard as a group, and we know how important this match is for both teams. We have no doubt that they'll come even harder at us than last week because this is their last game of the season, and they want to finish it on a high note."

Kolisi also highlighted the significance of accurate execution to achieve their goal of winning both matches against their northern hemisphere arch-rivals: "In our last match, the momentum of the game swung a few times, whereas in the Rugby World Cup (pool game) it was a massive battle for 80 minutes. These games come down to which team can control the big moments, and tomorrow will be no different. We are playing for a series win and they are playing for a draw, so it's going to be an intense match."

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick echoed Kolisi's sentiments, noting that the team is prepared for a fierce onslaught from the Six Nations champions.

"Ireland have a lot of pride in the way they do things, they are the Six Nations champions, and they are playing their last game of the season, which will make it a huge occasion for them," said Stick. "But just like them, we've prepared really well, and we know we have to go full-out tomorrow. We are playing at home and for the people in South Africa, so if we can win this match, it will be huge for us."

Stick also pointed out the potential impact of the kicking game, especially with Conor Murray named at scrumhalf for Ireland.

"Conor has a good kicking game, so we'll be challenged under the high ball," Stick noted. "And we have to get it right on the day or it could be a long day for us tomorrow."

The match kicks off at 17h00.

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