Contrasting Captains Set To Collide In World Cup Final
The Independent|October 26, 2023
Rugby World Cup-winning sides are often defined by their captain, as teams become a reflection of their skipper. Only eight men have worn the armband and lifted the Webb Ellis Cup, with each of them going down in history as an all-time great.
LUKE BAKER
Contrasting Captains Set To Collide In World Cup Final

From Francois Pienaar receiving the trophy from Nelson Mandela in 1995 to John Eales defining an Australian dynasty in 1999, through Martin Johnson dragging England to 2003 glory as the only northern hemisphere side to triumph and Richie McCaw’s place as probably the greatest of all, the only two-time winning captain in 2011 and 2015 – these men have led from the front to cement their status as legends.

Saturday’s final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France offers another opportunity for two men to enhance their legacies but this particular match-up offers a fascinating contrast.

On one side, Siya Kolisi stands in the traditional mould of inspirational leaders. His story, rising from poverty in the South African townships to become the Springboks’ first Black captain – in some ways, a huge burden to bear – is both remarkable and distinct from his predecessors. Yet the aura he has and the love and respect he garners is very much in line with McCaw, Johnson, Eales or the two other South African men to skipper a World Cup-winning side, Pienaar and 2007 captain John Smit.

He made history as the first Black captain to win a World Cup four years ago and should he match McCaw by winning a second in Paris, there will be a legitimate claim to call him the greatest skipper of all time. Certainly, he engenders adoration in South Africa and adulation from the entire rugby world – it is almost impossible to sit in a press conference with him and not be impressed by Kolisi the orator and Siya the man, while he is also a titan on the field.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 26, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 26, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE INDEPENDENT DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
What can stop Verstappen winning fifth straight title?
The Independent

What can stop Verstappen winning fifth straight title?

It is rare that we learn fresh pieces of detail about drivers on the Formula One grid.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 26, 2024
Mo' money, mo' goals - why Salah is worth the gamble
The Independent

Mo' money, mo' goals - why Salah is worth the gamble

As clear and emphatic as Mohamed Salah’s words on Sunday were, something was still left unsaid.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 26, 2024
Guardiola: 'It will be a bad season by our standards'
The Independent

Guardiola: 'It will be a bad season by our standards'

But after five losses in a row, Man City's manager is defiant

time-read
4 dak  |
November 26, 2024
West Ham hit Newcastle on counter to ease pressure
The Independent

West Ham hit Newcastle on counter to ease pressure

Tomas Soucek and Aaron Wan-Bissaka combined to burst Newcastle’s bubble as West Ham handed under-pressure boss Julen Lopetegui breathing space with a priceless Premier League away win.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 26, 2024
Flood-proofing homes now will prevent future misery
The Independent

Flood-proofing homes now will prevent future misery

One thing most people would agree on: Britain urgently needs new homes.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 26, 2024
Chancellor has gone from cosying up to confrontation
The Independent

Chancellor has gone from cosying up to confrontation

Rachel Reeves urgently needs a new script – and some pizzazz.

time-read
4 dak  |
November 26, 2024
CBI boss warns Budget will mean fewer jobs are created
The Independent

CBI boss warns Budget will mean fewer jobs are created

Half of UK companies will cut jobs and two-thirds will recruit fewer staff, according to the boss of the UK's top business lobby group.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 26, 2024
Man who drugged wife in mass rape case should serve 20 years, say prosecutors
The Independent

Man who drugged wife in mass rape case should serve 20 years, say prosecutors

French prosecutors have sought a 20-year prison term for Dominique Pelicot, accusing him of facilitating the mass rape of his wife Gisele Pelicot by dozens of men, drugging her unconscious, and sharing pictures and videos of her sexual assault.

time-read
1 min  |
November 26, 2024
Thousands arrested at Khan protests as Pakistan capital put under police lockdown
The Independent

Thousands arrested at Khan protests as Pakistan capital put under police lockdown

Pakistani authorities arrested more than 4,000 supporters of Imran Khan, including five parliamentarians, ahead of a rally demanding the release of the former prime minister from prison, where he has been held for over a year.

time-read
2 dak  |
November 26, 2024
One dead after DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania
The Independent

One dead after DHL cargo plane crashes in Lithuania

A DHL cargo plane has crashed into a house near the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius, killing at least one of four people on board.

time-read
3 dak  |
November 26, 2024