Siya Kolisi among the French newspaper flops of the Top 14 season

Springbok talent Siya Kolisi has been named as one of the big disappointments in France’s 2023/2024 Top 14 season.

In January 2023, Racing 92 announced the arrival of the two-time Rugby World Cup winner and striker.

But according to a seasonal review of new recruits at RugbyRama of Midi Olympique by Yanis Guillou, Kolisi struggled to match his international form and live up to the high expectations.

“This is perhaps the biggest disappointment of the season. Captain of the two-time world champion South Africa, Siya Kolisi, arrived at Racing 92 to conquer France,” writes Guillou.

“But far from his usual level, he experienced the season at a completely different level than he showed on the international stage.

“Criticized by his president after another big play-off disappointment, Kolisi was not convincing at all. His first match of the summer tour against Ireland nevertheless showed that he has qualities. Maybe he will show them next season…”

His compatriot Carlu Sadie, who was acquired from the Sharks by Bordeaux-Bègles, also had difficulty adapting to the new playing environment.

“He ended up in Yannick Bru’s suitcases … with the mission of stabilizing the Bordeaux-Béglaise scrum,” Gillou writes. “However, Sadie had a lot of trouble integrating into a game that did not always fit his profile.

“A starter in the (Top 14) semi-final due to the absence of Ben Tameifuna, he did not really convince and was not retained for the final. He is more often a substitute than a starter, he needs to remobilize.”

Other players who have fallen short this season include Yannick Youyoutte, Selevasio Tolofua, Nepo Laulala, Reece Hodge, Jack Goodhue, Teddy Iribaren, Monty Ioane and Sam Whitelock.

The post Siya a flop during first stay in France first appeared on SA Rugby magazine.