Siya Kolisi didn't hesitate when naming his toughest ever opponent

byRugby Rucker

aware of him. Whether he's disrupting rucks, nicking lineouts, or applying pressure with a trademark “Yeah, boy!”, the England lock is a menace in the best possible way. Kolisi has gone head-to-head with him more than once — and it’s never an easy day.

Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi has faced some of the greatest players the game has ever seen — but which ones stood out the most?

The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain opened up about five players who gave him the hardest time on the pitch. From bruising back-row battles to elite athleticism, Kolisi reveals who’s made life difficult during his stellar international career.

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

#1. Liam Williams – “The No-Nonsense Welshman”

Position: Fullback
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 85kg

Siya 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.”

Williams may come across calm and collected, but between the white lines, he’s all business. Known for his fearlessness under the high ball and daring counterattacks, the Welsh fullback has tormented defences for years — and earned huge respect from his peers in the process.

DID YOU KNOW?
Williams has battled a stammer throughout his life, something made tougher by media duties. He's since sought therapy and become more comfortable with interviews.

#2. Maro Itoje – “The Disruptor”

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

Kolisi said:

“Over the years I’ve played him a few times and you always know he’s there.”

When Maro Itoje is on the field, you're always

DID YOU KNOW?
Itoje was a multi-sport star at school, representing England at U17 level in shot put and playing basketball, football, and rugby.

#3. Tom Curry – “The Breakdown Bruiser”

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

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 may still be young, but he’s already developed into one of England’s most important forwards. With an engine that never quits and an eye for turnovers, Curry brings heat at every breakdown. Kolisi’s respect for the flanker runs deep — on and off the pitch.

DID YOU KNOW?
Rugby runs in the family. Tom is the nephew of former England hooker John Olver and twin brother to fellow professional, Ben Curry.

#4. Ardie Savea – “The Relentless Rampager”

Position: Number 8
Height: 6 ft 2 in
Weight: 102kg

Siya Kolisi said:

“He knows how I feel about him. We don't hide it, there's no secret about it — when we play against each other, we want to smash each other.”

The Springbok captain and All Blacks superstar may be friends off the pitch, but there’s no love lost when the whistle blows. Ardie Savea is electric from the back of the scrum — combining power, pace and flair in one complete package. It’s no surprise Kolisi rates him so highly.

DID YOU KNOW?
Savea has Samoan roots, is a proud family man, and married his wife Saskia in 2018. The couple have two children.

#5. Michael Hooper – “The Aussie Energiser”

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

Kolisi said:

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

When it comes to consistency and work rate, few can match Michael Hooper. The former Wallabies captain has been a thorn in the side of many teams over the past decade — South Africa included. Hooper never stops running, tackling, or leading by example.

DID YOU KNOW?
With over 125 caps, Hooper is one of Australia’s most capped and respected players of all time — and still going strong.