Jon Cardinelli
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joncardinelli.bsky.social
Jon Cardinelli
@joncardinelli.bsky.social
Rugby writer
Was touch and go for awhile there...

Think a few people called a 15-point win, but not like that!
November 8, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Check out my @rugbypass.bsky.social analysis on Siya Kolisi's 100-Test career for the Boks:

Why he is the glue that holds the greatest Bok side together, and why he deserves as many plaudits for his on-field contributions as he does for his work off the park. www.rugbypass.com/plus/how-siy...
How Siya Kolisi has emerged from the shadows to become South Africa's GOAT
A national icon, the Springboks captain deserves all the plaudits coming to him after a stellar career in the spotlight
www.rugbypass.com
November 7, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Look at who might have 100+ caps by the 2027 RWC.

Rassie is bringing the youngsters through, but he's also giving the OGs room to add to their experience.

Reasonable to expect Etzebeth, Kolisi, DDA, PSDT, Kriel, Marx, Pollard to head to next RWC with 100+ caps.
November 7, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Interesting to hear recently how Pienaar, Smit and Teichmann all rated Kolisi as the greatest Bok captain.

Kolisi (67*) in on course to break Smit's record as Bok captain (83).

Already level with Teich re 72% win-record.
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Have heard so many conspiracy theories about Kolisi over the years.

But Rassie keeps backing him.

Leadership is one reason, but Rassie wouldn't play Siya if he wasn't the best player for the job.

One of the most decorated of all time – so why isn't he in the GOAT convo?
November 7, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Take all the big games the Boks have played in this golden era. Tally the marquee wins (RWC playoffs, Lions Tests, All Blacks Tests, Rugby Champs deciders, record-breakers, drought-enders etc).

Now, look at the most used players, and who's at the top, with 28/30 marquee wins🧐
November 7, 2025 at 8:59 AM