Siya Kolisi says the Springboks have shut out all off-field distractions and remain firmly focused on bouncing back from two successive Test losses when they face Italy in Genoa on Saturday afternoon. DYLAN JACK reports.
The build-up to Saturday’s Test match has almost been solely focused on Rassie Erasmus, as the Bok director of rugby got himself into hot water with World Rugby once again.
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Erasmus was on Thursday night handed a two-game matchday ban for his tweets questioning officiating decisions in the losses to Ireland and France. This means that he won’t be present at the stadium when the Boks look to revive their outgoing tour against Italy, as well as for the following weekend’s clash against England at Twickenham.
Kolisi has previously spoken about how influential Erasmus’ presence on matchdays is for the Springboks, but the skipper insists he and his teammates have not allowed the saga to distract them from a highly important Test.
“All our focus is on playing Italy. It’s a big game,” Kolisi said on Friday afternoon. “We don’t want to go three games in a row without a win. We are giving them the respect they deserve.”
Kolisi scoffed at the suggestion that the Boks would be using Erasmus’ ban as any sort of motivation against Italy.
“We will be playing for the Springboks, South Africa and to win the game. That’s all that’s in our mind. We can’t take focus away from losing two games. Italy have shown they are tough opponents in the last two games.
“Things happen. We as a team need to keep on going. Our focus is always on the game. It’s a big game for so many reasons. We have two losses in a row and want to change that. We want to play for each other. Some guys will have their only opportunity before the World Cup squad is picked and we want to prove ourselves. This is a big weekend for us.
“It is frustrating for us as a team, to play so well and lose by such close margins. That is why the most important thing for us is to win.”
Against Italy, the Boks will face a nation on the rise that has claimed the scalps of both Wales and Australia this year.
“They have showed that they can go up against any team at any time. Their set-piece is strong and their breakdown work is very good. Their forwards can certainly play. I was watching last week, some of the things their backs were doing…
“They can attack from anywhere on the field. They have grown as a team. Teams need to show them respect. That’s what we’ve done. We have done our research. We don’t want to make the mistake of underestimating them.”
TEST PICKS: Back Boks to win big in Italy!
Will the Boks bring the high-flying Azzurri back to earth when they clash on Saturday? @mark_keohane and Zels offer their picks ahead of the clash.pic.twitter.com/L0sDAnDI8y
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) November 17, 2022
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