“Curry is a good friend” – Siya Kolisi ranks his five toughest opponents

Tuesday, 30 August 2022 at 15:44

byRugby Rucker

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has been discussing some of his toughest opponents from his incredible international career.

#1. Liam Williams (Wales)

Position Fullback
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 85kg
Caps 84

Kolisi said: "A guy like Liam Williams is a hard guy, he’s a nice guy off the field but he’s no nonsense. He doesn't take a backwards step."

DID YOU KNOW? Williams has spoken previously about his struggles with a stammer which was exacerbated by the pressures of conducting press interviews. Williams has sought therapy to resolve this and has conducted more interviews since.

#2. Maro Itoje (England)

Position Second-row
Height 6 ft 5 in
Weight 115kg
Caps 62

Kolisi said: "Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there,”

Maro Itoje of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

DID YOU KNOW? As a schoolboy, Itoje played several sports including basketball, football, rugby and athletics, representing England at U17 level in shot put

#3. Tom Curry (England)

Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 0 in
Weight 110kg
Caps 38

Kolisi said: "I have been chatting to Tom Curry every now and then. I like to think we're friends. He's a very good player."

Tom Curry of England during the Autumn Nations Match between England and Tonga at Twickenham Stoop on 6 November 2021. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK

DID YOU KNOW? He is the nephew of former England hooker John Olver

#4. Ardie Savea (New Zealand)

Position Number 8
Height 6 ft 2 in
Weight 102kg
Caps 61

Kolisi said: "You can come up against another tough team but never feel like you have had a tough match against your opposite. But with Burger you knew where they are going to be and how hard they play near the ball."

DID YOU KNOW? Savea has Samoan ancestry and is a father-of-two, having married his partner, Saskia, in 2018.

#5. Michael Hooper (Australia)

Position Back-row
Height 6 ft 0 in
Weight 101kg
Caps 119

"Ever since I started playing rugby I've looked forward to games against other back-rowers who are highly rated," he said. "Hooper is one of the best of his generation."