John Dobson hails Siya Kolisi's impact ahead of Stormers return

The Cape Town franchise announced the signing of the Springbok captain last December and fans have been frothing to see him back in the iconic blue and white hoops ever since.

They almost got their wish in the opening United Rugby Championship clash last week, as Kolisi arrived in Ireland ahead of the Stormers clash against Connacht, but Dobson held him back.

While the rugby boss hailed Kolisi's impact on the players around him, he also reminded the press that the double World Cup-winning captain is first and foremost a rugby player and then a motivator.

"He flew from Perth and was desperate to play last week in Galway, it's super impressive," revealed Dobson.

"Rugby-wise, we needed Siya. We have two other Springbok sixes in Paul [de Villiers] and Deon [Fourie], and neither was available this week. He's not an out-and-out stealer; he gets turnovers through his tackling and counter-rucking.

"In terms of leadership, he's got a big role to play, probably around the integration of the Springboks and setting standards. I could see him in the warm-up last week. His presence, just the smile and the songs and everything, it lifts the team. But there's no question that the rugby contribution is what we're after and what we need.

"What I can't get over with Siya, and it's going to sound like a silly point, is the size of him. He's an openside flank, maybe not the world's most traditional openside flank, but he's a big beast.

"He's certainly a bigger man than he was when he left here. He's a really big presence, and I think that's going to be useful on the 4G."

Kolisi will run out for the Stormers for the first time since 2019 when they face Edinburgh at Hive Stadium on Friday.

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