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WATCH: Siya Kolisi's sideline passion draws applause after Springboks' epic win over France

Nomathamsanqa Sithathu|Published

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi's sideline leadership wins hearts as fans praise his passiob after France match.

Image: Backpagepix

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has gone viral for his leadership from the sidelines following South Africa’s 32–17 win over France on Saturday.

After being substituted at half-time, Kolisi remained fully engaged in the game, motivating his teammates from the edge of the field. 

In a clip that’s now making the rounds online, he can be heard shouting, ā€œThey’re f**king tired, they’re tired!ā€ as he urged Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to push forward. Fans have since praised his passion and commitment to the team.

TikTok user @Lafika commented, ā€œThen some people say he’s not a leader just because he doesn’t finish games. This is how you lead. Not making everything about yourself, being willing to sacrifice for the team and always showing leadership.ā€

Another fan, @Yougirjordan, added, ā€œAnd Sacha understood the assignment and finished them off šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚.ā€

ā€œBest captain of any sport in the world right now!!ā€, said @Brett Fox-Thomas.

Kolisi’s substitution at the break sparked plenty of conversation online. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus later explained that the decision was tactical and not performance-related.

With the team reduced to fourteen men after Lood de Jager received a red card for head contact with French full-back Thomas Ramos, Erasmus reshuffled his lineup to strengthen the forward pack.

Just recently Rachel Kolisi and her children, Nicholas and Keziah, made their way home to South Africa after spending the past week in Paris.

The trio jetted off to France to support the Springboks captain, who marked his 100th Test match on Saturday, November 8, when South Africa faced France.

Despite being a man down in the second half, Siya and his teammates managed to secure a 32–17 win, with his family and fans around the world cheering him on.