Siya Kolisi: Aiming for History in the Rugby World Cup Final against New Zealand

South Africa and New Zealand are set to face off in a long-awaited Rugby World Cup final this Saturday, marking their first meeting in the final since 1995. Back then, as the host country, South Africa secured a hard-fought victory of 15-12, propelling them to triumphantly claim the Webb Ellis Cup for the very first time.

Following the end of apartheid, the victory of South African President Nelson Mandela presenting the trophy to Springboks captain Francois Pienaar was a significant milestone. Mandela, dressed in a replica of Pienaars No. 6 shirt, became an iconic image in the history of sports. This powerful and symbolic moment was a reflection of the nation's efforts to heal and reconcile a troubled past.

Fast forward twenty-four years, and Siya Kolisi emerged as an inspiring leader who led his country to triumph in the 2019 final against England. Notably, Kolisi became the first Black captain to guide South Africa to World Cup glory.

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Hailing from the impoverished township of Zwide, located near Port Elizabeth, Kolisi symbolizes the extraordinary aspirations of countless individuals in his country and beyond.

His remarkable presence in the World Cup this year is truly astounding. Despite enduring a severe knee injury and subsequent surgery in April, he displayed incredible determination to regain his fitness.

A committed Christian, Kolisi subsequently recognized the significant role his unwavering faith played in his recuperation. He presently stands the opportunity to emulate the achievement of All Blacks legend Richie McCaw as the sole captain to secure consecutive championships.

The Springboks got the better of England in a tense semifinal in this year's tournament.

Jeanne Accorsini/Sipa/AP

"I don't believe that it's something you can simply dream of, as it rarely occurs," expressed the 32-year-old. These words, cited by Reuters, were spoken before a match where both nations strive to secure the esteemed championship for a historic fourth occasion.

"In our lifetime, I doubt we will witness a repeat of this encounter between two exceptional teams. Undoubtedly, it will be the most significant game of my existence," Kolisi further emphasized.

The Springboks superstar is aware that his team holds the hopes of an entire nation. The flanker reflects that people send them videos and express that watching their matches is often the only time they feel happy about something. He acknowledges that playing for the team or being selected is for a cause that goes beyond oneself.

Bongi Mbonambi will join Kolisi in the lineup on Saturday as World Rugby decided not to charge the Springboks hooker for the supposed use of discriminatory language against Tom Curry from England in the semifinal, citing a lack of evidence. Kolisi disclosed that he had contacted Curry to offer support due to the abusive and threatening messages that Curry and his family had received on the internet.

South Africa or New Zealand will become the first nation to win the Rugby World Cup four times.

"I have also experienced it firsthand. As players, we can handle it when it affects us personally. However, when it affects our families, it is a completely different story," stated the captain from South Africa. "It is the one aspect of the game that brings us no pleasure."

New Zealand has emerged victorious in their previous three encounters at the Rugby World Cup against South Africa. However, the All Blacks have a vivid memory of their recent defeat in August, where they were convincingly beaten by South Africa with a remarkable score of 35-7 at London's Twickenham Stadium. Despite their initial loss to France, New Zealand is determined to clinch the world champion title for the first time since 2015, proving those who underestimated them wrong.

Despite being the most-capped All Black of all time, Sam Whitelock experiences disappointment as he is relegated to the bench for his last game representing New Zealand. Whitelock, along with several other prominent New Zealand players, is concluding his international career following the tournament. However, the 35-year-old remains aware that he has the opportunity to become the first three-time champion in the sport.

This will also mark Ian Foster's final match as the head coach of New Zealand, amidst an unexpected opportunity to claim the title.

Under Foster's leadership, the All Blacks have faced defeat 11 times and experienced two draws over the past four years. However, despite these challenges, the 58-year-old coach has successfully led the nation to win four Rugby Championships.

"So, this week we find ourselves in the highly anticipated World Cup final, brimming with excitement. Currently, we are navigating the delicate task of managing our emotions while also handling the influx of messages from back home. Additionally, the overwhelming support from the people in France has been truly immense," Foster shared with reporters.

New Zealand lock Samuel Whitelock will play his final game for the All Blacks.

Sebastien Bozon/AFP/Getty Images

"We acknowledge the presence of two exceptional teams, each with their own unique style. They excel in their respective approaches, and our aim is to excel in ours," Foster commented. The game will witness the trio of Barrett brothers - Scott, Jordie, and Beauden - taking the field for the three-time winning team. Additionally, winger Will Jordan has the opportunity to set a new record for the highest number of tries at a World Cup, with a potential addition to his already impressive tally of eight.

After nearly two months of thrilling and captivating matches, we witnessed a long-awaited reunion in the World Cup final – a rematch that took 28 years to materialize. The stage is set at the magnificent Stade de France in Paris, where the world's two highest-ranked teams will go head-to-head in a fierce competition. With an astounding crowd of 80,000 fervent fans filling the stadium, both teams are determined to etch their names into the annals of history.