Siya Kolisi names his two toughest opponents – including England star

The double Rugby World Cup winner has faced almost every major rugby nation during his decorated Test career, leading South Africa through two successful global campaigns and their recent 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks.

When discussing the opponents who have tested him most, Kolisi highlighted New Zealand superstar Ardie Savea and England flanker Tom Curry.

Kolisi and Savea have repeatedly collided during one of international rugby’s greatest rivalries.

The pair have captained their respective nations and faced each other in some monumental contests, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup final and the recent four-Test series between the Springboks and All Blacks.

Savea has established himself as one of the most destructive back-rowers of his generation, combining explosive carrying with relentless work around the breakdown.

His performances against South Africa have regularly underlined that quality, with the All Blacks talisman scoring twice during the third Test of the Greatest Rivalry series before suffering a shoulder injury.

Despite the intensity of their on-field battles, Kolisi and Savea have always demonstrated considerable mutual respect away from the pitch.

Kolisi has also reserved special praise for England and Sale Sharks flanker Curry, whom he has faced in some of the biggest matches of his career.

The pair went head-to-head in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and again during South Africa’s dramatic one-point victory over England in the 2023 semi-final.

“I have been chatting to Tom Curry every now and then,” Kolisi previously explained. “I like to think we’re friends. He’s a very good player.”

Ahead of South Africa’s Nations Championship meeting with England in July, Kolisi went even further with his assessment.

“He’s one of the toughest guys I’ve ever played against,” said the Springbok captain.

“I remember since 2018, and then in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final too. He’s a special human being, and I love playing against him.”

Curry has earned a reputation as one of England’s most physical defenders, combining relentless work at the breakdown with a confrontational approach around the contact area.

His inclusion is particularly notable given the fierce rivalry between England and South Africa, who have met during the knockout stages of each of the last two World Cups.