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Siya Kolisi acknowledges the fans after defeat to Ireland during the Rugby World Cup France 2023 match between South Africa and Ireland at Stade de France on September 23, 2023 in Paris, France.
Rugby has a sordid and divided history. Likewise, baseball. Its biggest legends in the game, such as “Babe Ruth’’, played in an era when black players weren’t allowed on the same pitch. Major League Baseball was segregated from 1888 to 1947, encompassing Ruth’s entire career. Football was as — if not more — segregated than the game of rugby. In the early 1900s there was a black, white, Indian and coloured football league. In building the concept of a national identity, sport and the arts play an integral role. Rugby, through chance or by fate, was adopted as part of the Afrikaner national identity, with the game, and the Boks, coming to represent all that is wrong with South Africa and all that must change.
The appointment of Siya Kolisi as captain of the symbolic Springboks and ultimately the World Cup win a year later turned a chapter in this sport and its relations with the country. Whatever the outcome this weekend, Kolisi may prove the most valuable sportsperson of all time for South Africa, through all of its sports. Our own “Babe Ruth”.Sign up to our daily newsletter featuring a curated selection of top articles and delivered to your inbox from Monday to Friday.
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‘I have spoken to him’: Siya Kolisi made peace with England’s Tom CurryThey have even exchanged shirts - Springboks captain Siya Kolisi made peace with England star Tom Curry who accused Bongi Mbonambi.
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‘Careful’: Fans warn Siya Kolisi for speaking to England’s Tom Curry'No Apartheid general asked for forgiveness': Springboks fans warn Siya Kolisi against speaking to England star Tom Curry.
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From Nelson Mandela to Siya Kolisi: Springboks’ Rugby World Cup history with All BlacksNew Zealand and South Africa meet in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final with the All Blacks holding a three-two head-to-head advantage.
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