Siya Kolisi and South Africa ready to electrify a troubled nation

PRIVILEGE: Siya Kolisi told Friday’s press conference that it is a huge privilege to play for his country. They begin their campaign on Sunday. Pic: INPHO/SteveHaagSports/Steve Haag

Nigh on four years already since the Springboks won their third World Cup and a fractured nation put all its problems behind it to drink in the moment. However, the situation in their homeland has only continued to spiral.

Corruption and economic mismanagement has fed horrific unemployment numbers that, at close to 33%, are near record levels. Rolling power blackouts are common and an annual kidnapping figure that crests a frightening 15,000 speaks for the crime problem.