22-07-2025
Siya Kolisi gears up for 100th Bok cap as he shows no signs of slowing down
'Rassie said, 'You can be 36 and make the squad, as long as you are the fittest 36-year-old'. He always speaks openly and honestly with us, he goes through each player so everyone knows where they stand.
'In this squad, we all know we have a chance of making the World Cup squad and we also know that no-one is guaranteed a place. You just try to do things better in training and the coaches will work out whether you're good enough.'
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has no doubt Kolisi still has what it takes — physically and mentally — to lead the team forward.
'Siya is in really good shape and we took Schalk Brits and Duane Vermeulen previously to the World Cup because they were still producing the goods. Even if you are 38 or 40, that's all that matters,' Stick said.
'At the start of our year we had a heavy fitness test and Siya had one of the best scores. Our training sessions are tough and if you can keep up with those then it would not be right for us to look at your age.'
With the fire still burning and his body in prime condition, Kolisi's return has reaffirmed his status as the heartbeat of the Springboks — with history, and perhaps more silverware, just around the corner.
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