Kolisi, who made an unexpected exit from the Springboks to join the Stormers last week, has been integrating himself with the team in a very hands-on manner. His decision to leave the national team camp came after being sidelined for a match against the Wallabies, prompting him to catch up with his club team in Galway ahead of their URC season opener against Connacht, which they won.
"It's really good for the players to see that it’s not the Springbok captain, a superstar player coming to join them, but a humble player who is just like any one of them – willing to work hard, willing to belong, willing to be accepted by the team," Hlungwani stated.
The extensive travel from Perth to Dublin, followed by a bus journey to Galway, exemplifies Kolisi’s commitment, a gesture that hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates or the coaching staff. Hlungwani praises Kolisi's character and the positive influence he has on the team, emphasizing his eagerness to fully integrate and uplift the group's spirit.
Fellow Stormer, Hacjivah Dayimani, shared his excitement about Kolisi's arrival, noting that the team was unaware of his joining until he showed up. "We felt the energy from the moment he walked in," Dayimani revealed, describing how Kolisi immediately worked to boost the team’s morale and foster positivity.
As the competition progresses, Kolisi’s role may vary due to strategic needs, with other players like Paul de Villiers and Deon Fourie also being options for the openside flanker position. Asked about the potential inclusion of other returning Springboks for the Edinburgh clash, Hlungwani simply responded with a definitive "No."
This focused approach on team dynamics and player integration points to a strategic depth in handling player transitions, ensuring that even stars like Kolisi are woven into the fabric of the team both on and off the field. As the Stormers continue their campaign in the United Rugby Championship, all eyes will be on Thursday's team announcement to see if Kolisi will indeed make his much-anticipated return against Edinburgh.
