Kolisi and Savea leave rugby out of friendship before second Test

Siya Kolisi and Ardie Savea will lead South Africa and New Zealand respectively in the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Away from the field, however, the Springbok and All Blacks captains deliberately keep rugby out of their conversations.

The pair spent time together at church last Sunday, putting their international rivalry aside. Their connection is built around family, faith and everyday life rather than the contest between their teams.

Kolisi said the two players recognise each other as opponents when they meet in matches, but do not seek each other out during games. Their contact on the field is shaped by mutual respect, while their relationship away from rugby follows a different path.

Both men have children and families, giving them common ground beyond their roles as national leaders. They also share the same faith and speak about personal challenges, life away from the sport and their growth as individuals. Rugby, Kolisi explained, would be an uncomfortable subject because each is responsible for leading the other’s team.

Savea described the friendship as a major blessing. He said the relationship allows the two captains to stand together away from rugby while still competing fully when they represent New Zealand and South Africa.

The All Blacks loose forward also underlined the demands of facing Kolisi and the Springboks. He said playing against Kolisi remains special and that a Test against South Africa is among the toughest assignments for an All Black, making Saturday’s match in Cape Town significant for both leaders.