Kolisi’s No. 8 Switch: A Fresh Weapon for the Springboks

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will line up at number eight for the first time in his Test career when South Africa face Australia at Ellis Park—a move inspired by his outstanding form in the role for the Sharks.

While Kolisi has built his international reputation as a blindside flanker, his switch to the back of the scrum at domestic level has unlocked new attacking options. At No. 8, he has been a powerful link between forwards and backs, excelled in open play, and added stability at the base of the scrum. His strong ball-carrying and sharp decision-making have made him a standout in the United Rugby Championship.

For the Springboks, the change could sharpen their attacking edge. Kolisi will have more space to launch from the base, link up with the halfbacks, and bring his trademark work rate from a wider platform. Against Australia, his combination of leadership and fresh positional perspective could prove decisive.

SIDEBAR: Kolisi by the Numbers – No. 8 vs Flanker (URC 2024/25) (per 80 minutes, Sharks)

• Carries: No. 8 – 11.3 | Flanker – 7.4

• Metres Gained: No. 8 – 58m | Flanker – 39m

• Offloads: No. 8 – 2.1 | Flanker – 1.2

• Tackles Made: No. 8 – 10.7 | Flanker – 11.4

• Turnovers Won: No. 8 – 1.4 | Flanker – 1.9