Siya Kolisi extends Springbok captaincy record as history beckons

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is already firmly entrenched among the greatest captains to wear the green and gold, but the next chapter of his career could make his legacy even more difficult to match.

The 35-year-old has captained South Africa to two Rugby World Cup triumphs, lifting the Webb Ellis Cup in 2019 and again in 2023.

He became the first South African captain to lead the Boks to two World Cup titles and remains the only Springbok skipper to achieve the feat.

Now, Kolisi has added another milestone to his résumé.

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Kolisi extends Springbok record to 55 Test wins

Following South Africa’s 29-24 victory over New Zealand in Soweto on Saturday, Kolisi recorded his 55th Test victory as captain, extending his record for the most wins by a South African captain.

The result also gave the Springboks an unassailable 2-1 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Kolisi, however, was quick to shift the focus away from his individual achievement.

“If this were tennis it would be different, but this is a team sport. It shows the work Rassie [Erasmus] and his coaching staff put in,” Siya spoke to reporters after the match.

He added: “We’ve got so many leaders in this side that I really only have one job to do, which is focus on my own game.”

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Springboks secure series victory over All Blacks

With one Test still to play in Baltimore, Kolisi and his teammates have already secured a series victory against their greatest rivals.

The Springboks head into the final encounter with the series already decided, but another victory would add to Kolisi’s growing tally as captain.

South Africa and New Zealand will face each other in Baltimore, with kick-off at 23:00 SA time.

Could Kolisi make more World Cup history?

Beyond the current series, another significant opportunity lies ahead.

The Springboks are looking towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, where they will attempt to become the first nation to win the tournament three consecutive times.

Kolisi has previously spoken about his desire to have that opportunity, which would give him another chance to make history.

He has already lifted the Webb Ellis Cup twice as captain and now holds the record for the most Test victories by a Springbok skipper.

Should he lead South Africa to another World Cup triumph in 2027, Kolisi would add another extraordinary chapter to an already historic Springbok career.

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