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Cape Town - Springbok flank and Stormers/WP favourite Siya Kolisi says he backs the call for Newlands to return to the roster for home Tests against New Zealand.
VIDEO: Siya Kolisi on Newlands hosting the All Blacks
The ground has not hosted the world champion All Blacks since 2008, and earlier this week WPRFU president Thelo Wakefield said the Springboks would receive “overwhelming” support at the venue; they intended lobbying SARU for rights to next year’s game.
The Boks play the Castle Rugby Championship holders at a still-to-be-determined home ground in next year’s shortened, single-round competition because of the World Cup priority event later in the year.
Newlands is a bit off a hot potato, given the known, significant support for New Zealand from sections of the Capetonian community which some critics feel dampens the “home advantage” feel.
But Kolisi told News24 Live’s Nick Pawson this week: “It will be great for the people of Cape Town to get an All Blacks game ... I will really enjoy it.
“People can say a lot of things (about support for the visitors) but I back Thelo’s call – maybe things will be different this time anyway, as the last time was back in (2008).
“It would be especially good if it’s only in a one-round Championship.”
Kolisi did, however, also back the argument that playing the All Blacks in Highveld conditions was useful.
“The altitude thing is a good argument; it does make a difference. In the first 20 minutes of a match there you do struggle for a second breath ... (as a coast-based player) I’ve experienced it playing against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park.”
