Siya Kolisi: Beast would want us to get on with the job

Siya Kolisi and his Springbok teammates will keep their emotions in check when they run out with Beast Mtawarira in his 100th Test in Bloemfontein on Saturday afternoon.

The national skipper stated the whole squad is “very proud” of the veteran prop but that the best way to honour him is to ensure an early series victory over England.

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“He doesn’t want to make a big thing out of it and wants us all to focus on the match and not be distracted,” said Kolisi.

“It is a huge milestone for a player to reach 100 Tests and the team and staff are all very proud of Beast.”

Kolisi, who celebrates his 27th birthday on Saturday as well, believes it won’t be difficult to channel his energy effectively since he learned last weekend that he doesn’t need to carry all the leadership responsibilities on his shoulders alone.

He hopes it extends to the rest of the group as well.

“It’s quite simple for us, we have our own plans and we won’t change it. It’s about intensity and work rate, and it’s about maintaining that for 80 minutes,” said Kolisi.

“There can be no excuses, that is our team motto. We know what is expected of us, and we have to find a way to match that expectation.”