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Bok legend compares Kolisi to Gary Teichmann

Cape Town - Former Springbok forward Mark Andrews believes that captain Siya Kolisi is a solid leader for South Africa ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

READ | Pressure was 'horrendous' at 1995 RWC - Mark Andrews

Now 47, Andrews played in the winning 1995 World Cup squad and won 77 Test caps before retiring from the game in 2004.

Andrews says that he is impressed by current captain Kolisi, the first black player to skipper South Africa at a World Cup.

"Hell of a guy. Very humble, solid and a decent human being. Reminds me of Gary Teichmann," Andrews told AFP.

"He's not going to give a big speech to inflame the team but he is a solid leader and the players like him and will follow him."

Andrews went on to say that every man in the Springbok squad, regardless of their skin colour, deserves to be there.

"One of the strengths of this team is that you no longer have 'quota' players who in the past have struggled and affected the psychology of the team," said Andrews.

"Everyone in this team, regardless of their skin colour, deserves to be there. Now we have the best 15 taking the field."

Andrews said coach Rassie Erasmus had also restored the fear factor to the Boks.

"We lost that for a while. Now Rassie seems to be getting that back. And that is a good sign for the Springboks."

South Africa's opening Pool B match against the All Blacks in Yokohama on September 21 (11:45 SA time) is sure to be a humdinger.

Compiled by Lynn Butler

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Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
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