Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will make his first-ever Test start at No.8 when South Africa take on Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday — but he’s not trying to be the next Jasper Wiese or Duane Vermeulen.

Kolisi, who usually wears the No.6 jersey, will earn his 94th cap in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship opener — this time anchoring the back of the scrum.

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“My role will change slightly in the lineouts and the scrums, but other than that I’ll be fulfilling my usual role,” said Kolisi. “Playing No 8 at the Hollywoodbets Sharks certainly helped me, although the role here is different.”

The 6’2, 104kg loose forward knows he brings a different style to the role — and he’s not trying to be something he’s not.

“I’m also not the same type of player as Jasper (Wiese) or a former Bok No 8 Duane (Vermeulen) in terms of my size, so I’m going to give what I can offer.”

Dating Rumours

Zuki Lamani

Dating Rumours Swirl—and Fizzle

Following the announcement of the Kolisis’ divorce, media personality Zuki Lamani found herself at the center of swirling speculation. Social media was abuzz with unfounded claims suggesting she was the cause of the couple’s split—claims for which no evidence has surfaced.

Lamani first gained public attention in 2018 after sharing her excitement about meeting Siya Kolisi, who had just been named the first black captain of the Springboks. She described him at the time as her “celebrity crush.” In the now-viral photos, the two appeared in a friendly half-embrace, with Zuki captioning one post, “That Kolisi glow,” sparking curiosity among followers about the nature of their connection.

As the news of the separation made headlines, online speculation intensified, with some users pointing fingers at Zuki. During a recent Instagram Live session, she confronted the rumors directly. When a follower bluntly asked, “Is it true that you are the one who made Rachel divorce Siya?” Zuki, visibly annoyed, didn’t mince words: “Come up with an answer, and that’s going to be your answer. Do whatever!”

Zozibini Tunzi

Soon after, Kolisi was rumoured to be dating former Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi after a photo of them surfaced online. But the rumour was quickly shut down—Zozibini recently tied the knot with Luthando Bolowana on 22 March 2025 in Paarl, Western Cape. The South African model, actress, and beauty queen—crowned Miss Universe 2019—is officially off the market.

Focus on Family and Rugby

Despite the swirling gossip, Kolisi appears locked in on what matters most: his children and leading the Springboks. Off the pitch, he may be single—but on it, he’s all about the game.

EDITORS PICKS:

Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson Reveal the Toughest Opponent They Ever Faced

Jonny Wikinson and Martin Johnson have both opened up about the toughest players they respectively faced in their illustrious playing careers.

The 2003 World Cup-winners, along with three of their teammates from that triumph in Sydney, snubbed a number of top stars.

Jonny Wilkinson: Christophe Dominici (France)

Dominici played 67 times for his country and won the French championship five times with Stade Français before retiring in 2008. In recent years he had worked as a pundit for French radio and TV before his death in 2020.

WILKINSON SAID: “His opportunism, his flair, his game reading, his sheer explosivity to really change a game is something that sticks in my memory.”

DID YOU KNOW? Dominci appeared in three World Cups for his country in 1999, 2003 and 2007, scoring eight tries over that time.

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