“He Kept Fighting”: Siya Kolisi Honours RG Snyman Ahead of His 50th Test Cap

Siya Kolisi Honours RG Snyman Ahead of His 50th Test Cap

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has paid an emotional tribute to lock RG Snyman, who will earn his 50th Test cap when South Africa face Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday evening.

Reflecting on Snyman’s journey, Siya Kolisi said he is extremely happy for him, noting that after everything the lock has endured, he could have given up at any moment.

“I’m very happy for him. With everything he’s been through, he could have given up at any time, and I’d like to credit the unions that have backed him and stuck with him through all his injuries.”

Siya Kolisi Honours RG Snyman Ahead of His 50th Test Cap (Image Credit: Springboks)

Kolisi said Snyman has always supported the team, even during his two years on the sidelines, and since his return, it’s clear how much being back means to him. He added that Snyman’s resilience and talent make this milestone even more special, and the team hopes to honour it properly.

“He’s always supported us, even when he was out, and since he’s been back, you can see what it means to him to be here. So I’m really grateful and happy that he’s achieving this milestone. He missed out on two years with the team, but he kept fighting.

“He’s one of the most talented guys in the group, and hopefully we can make it special for him.”

Snyman Reaches a Rare Milestone

Nicknamed “The Viking,” Snyman will step onto the field for his 50th Test cap in the 7:40 pm showdown at Aviva Stadium. His towering presence and explosive impact have long made him an integral part of the Springboks’ famed “bomb squad.”

Despite losing significant time to long-term injuries, Snyman has remained a crucial member of the squad and a fan favourite for his resilience and powerful style of play.

Coach Rassie: “He Deserves This Achievement”

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus also lauded Snyman’s perseverance ahead of the milestone moment.

“We are thrilled for RG and we’ll do everything we can to hopefully make this a special occasion for him. He’s a great player and team man, and had it not been for injuries along the way, he would have probably earned 50 caps a while ago. He deserves this achievement, and it speaks volumes about the quality of the player he is,” he said.

Snyman, who currently plays for Leinster, will mark this milestone in the very city where he has rebuilt his form and confidence.