Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi have offered a rare insight into their relationship, the realities of transformation in South African rugby and the path that has taken them from the Stormers to the Springboks’ World Cup triumph.
The coach and captain sat down for an unusually open conversation on the Rassie+ podcast, reflecting on their long association and the experiences that shaped one of the most recognisable partnerships in international rugby.
Erasmus and Kolisi have worked together for many years and are expected to lead the Springboks into their World Cup title defence next year. Their discussion covered Kolisi’s development as a teenager, Erasmus’ return to the national team set-up and the challenges faced by black players within the rugby system.
The interview, described as a conversation that most coaches and captains would not normally have on camera, also explored personal and professional issues away from match-day preparation.
The full breakdown, provided by Smash Sports, includes:
– 0:00 – Introduction: two South African icons and an honest conversation
– 3:00 – How Erasmus and Kolisi first began working together
– 5:30 – Kolisi at 18: “naughty, raw, and he could have thrown me away”
– 6:54 – The decision to make Kolisi Springbok captain after Erasmus returned
– 8:20 – Why honesty within a team environment is a skill rather than something automatic
– 12:17 – Favourite mistakes: “I regret all of them”
– 19:21 – Family, fatherhood and the World Cup
– 26:33 – Whether Kolisi still loves rugby after everything he has experienced
– 31:35 – Life after rugby and recognising when it is time to walk away
– 37:13 – Social media, outside noise and how players are selected
One of the central themes was what “true” transformation means, particularly for black players who have come through the South African rugby structure.
The pair also considered the first time they worked together, when Erasmus scouted an 18-year-old Kolisi for the Stormers. Their conversation traced that relationship from Kolisi’s early years through to the 2019 World Cup final and his emergence as a leader of the Springboks.
Although Kolisi missed the beginning of the Test season because of injury, Erasmus recently confirmed that there had never been any doubt about the loose forward’s position as the team’s permanent captain.
“Without a doubt. He is fit, he is the captain,” the Bok boss stated.
Kolisi is currently with the Springboks in Argentina as they prepare for Saturday’s one-off Test. He is expected to return at openside flank for the match.
Erasmus is due to announce his matchday squad on Tuesday at 19:30.
The Test will be played at Estadio Jose Amalfitani, with kick-off scheduled for 21:10 South Africa time. It will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
