Classy Springboks captain says leave All Black alone after social media abuse
After receiving backlash on social media for allegedly snubbing All Black Jordie Barrett during Sunday’s Rugby World Cup final, South African rugby captain Siya Kolisi has advised his followers to keep quiet.
After defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in the World Cup final on Sunday, the Springboks returned home today to a hero’s welcome. They are the first men’s side to win a fourth World Cup championship.
Unprompted, Kolisi went above and beyond to defend Barrett’s actions during a press conference today. Barrett, an All Blacks midfielder, was the target of backlash on social media after it was alleged in a video that he failed to shake South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hand when accepting his silver medal during the trophy presentation.
Barrett was a key player for the All Blacks during their World Cup run. Late in the game, he had a chance to give his team the lead with a penalty kick, but it missed.
In a news conference today, Kolisi said, “After the game, there was a video that went out on TikTok with Jordie Barrett, and someone believes he didn’t shake the president’s hand, and he’s been getting a lot of people being hard on him.
“Obviously, losing a World Cup final is difficult, and it’s not a good idea to share it on social media. He’s not that kind of guy; I know him personally and he’s someone I know very well. We just wanted to express that the South African squad is completely behind him since the footage was likely recorded after he shook the president’s hand. Both New Zealand and we have great regard for one another. So please, let’s just enjoy ourselves. Nothing is more frustrating than losing a game and then seeing all these remarks on social media. It’s been really difficult for him, his family, and the squad, obviously. We support him as a South African squad, Kolisi declared.
The All Blacks land in Auckland today after more than 70 days away.
/cloudfront-ap-southeast-2.images.arcpublishing.com/nzme/R7QGUXMCRRFLFN25T4DKQSZVNQ.jpg)
Thousands of fans braved the cold and rain to assemble at O.R. Tambo International Airport to greet the team, as South Africa returned home to a hero’s welcome.
Accompanied by the rest of his colleagues, Kolisi entered the arrivals terminal brandishing the Webb Ellis trophy and sent fans into a frenzy.
Many people were wearing their green and gold Springboks jerseys, waving South African flags, and putting up banners with words of congratulations for the team. It was a colorful event.
The Gautrain train service to the airport, where traffic to the main terminals was congested all morning, was free for supporters wearing Springbok jerseys or any other South African colors.
To welcome the squad back into the nation, a band from the South African Police Service played the national anthem and other well-known South African tunes.
The day after Ramaphosa formally announced December 15 as a national holiday to commemorate the team’s success, the Springboks arrived.
He declared, “We declare today to be a day of celebration, unity, and hope.”
In order to commemorate the Boks’ win, a four-day victory parade has been scheduled for the key towns of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. During this procession, fans will have the opportunity to see the Webb Ellis trophy.
As the team arrived at the international arrivals terminal, supporters gave Kolisi the greatest applause. Since leading the team to victory in the World Cup two years running, Kolisi has become something of a cult figure.
Supporter Joseph Malherbe stated, “This is a special moment for us because rugby always unites us even though the country is facing so many problems. It means a lot to the country.”
On Thursday, the team will embark on its victory trip.