Siya Kolisi makes Rugby World Cup history leading record-breaking Springboks

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi has the chance to make history leading the national team at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Kolisi sets out to follow in the footsteps of famous All Blacks skipper Richie McCaw.

We take a look at how Kolisi made history.

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Siya Kolisi first Springbok skipper to go back to back

Kolisi becomes only the second player ever (and the first ever South African) to win the World Cup twice as a captain – Kolisi was the captain in 2019 when South Africa won and he was once again named skipper in 2023 leading the team to another glorious title.

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The only player to ever win twice is Richie McCaw (New Zealand) who was winning captain in 2011 and 2015.

Kolisi stands alone as an iconic Springboks skipper.

Francois Pienaar would not lead the Springboks in 1999 after his successful spell at the helm in 1995 after he left South African rugby to play in the English Premiership.

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While John Smit did captain the 2011 side following the 2007 triumph, his charges bombed out of the RWC in the quarter-finals, still the worst effort by the Springboks at a World Cup.

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The ref making history

Wayne Barnes became the first referee to officiate in five editions of the Rugby World Cup and whistled the final for the first time.

What do you think of the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup?

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