Springboks
Kolisi dreaming of Bok debut
2012-08-07 19:12
Siya Kolisi (Gallo Images)
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Cape Town - Siya Kolisi, the Stormers' openside flanker, who has been included in the Springbok Bok squad for the first two Rugby Championship Tests against Argentina, says he is willing to play in any position for his country.
His versatility is something which caught Bok coach Heyneke Meyer's attention and he followed Meyer's advise to keep working hard and to be patient.
"My call-up to the squad has been overwhelming and my phone went mad as family and friends called to congratulate me over the weekend," Kolisi said on Tuesday.
"My next career milestone will be a Springbok Test cap."
The 21-year-old, who represented the SA under-20 team in 2011, rose to prominence in February when he replaced flank Schalk Burger in a Super Rugby match at Newlands.
When the Stormers suffered a loose forward crisis towards the end of the season, Kolisi, a natural No 6, was moved out to Nos 7 and 8 at various stages, and proved his worth each time out.
"A Springbok debut at Newlands would be a dream come true and the cherry on the cake of my career," said Kolisi.
"I still remember the coach (Meyer) calling me on the phone a few days ago to say that I made the squad.
"I think it's been easy getting here but I know it's going to be difficult to stay in the squad.
"I've had my first training with the Boks and its been tough but that's what you want and what you want to get out of it.
"I am comfortable playing at No 6, but I'm just as happy to play wherever the coach needs me.
"I've been with the squad during the England Tests so it gave me a chance to get to know the players, otherwise you only see them on the field.
"Argentina will be tough opponents but I feel that we should take the game to them rather than wait for them to come at us."