**Siya Kolisi Urges Irish To Move On As Row Erupts Over URC Quarter-Final Controversy**
South Africa rugby captain Siya Kolisi has made a robust public defence of his team-mate, Jaden Hendrikse, following a major dispute concerning an alleged act of gamesmanship during an intense United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-final. The contentious incident, which unfolded during a penalty shootout between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Munster in Durban, has sparked heated debate among fans and pundits, especially in Ireland.
Saturday’s clash between the Sharks and Munster was a captivating, hard-fought affair, ultimately ending in a 24-24 draw. With no clear winner after extra time, the game progressed to a dramatic penalty shootout. However, it was Hendrikse’s behaviour during this high-pressure moment which ignited controversy and lingered in the aftermath.
Shortly after landing his second shot in the shootout, scrum-half Hendrikse appeared to go down with cramp. His actions drew considerable attention as the Munster players and supporters, already tense in the shootout’s pressure-cooker atmosphere, reacted with visible frustration. Notably, television cameras captured Hendrikse engaging in a verbal exchange with Munster fly-half Jack Crowley, and then, in a now widely shared image, winking at Crowley whilst being treated by medical staff.
This incident has been interpreted by many in the rugby community, especially those from Ireland, as a possible attempt at psychological warfare—some criticising it as an act of deliberate gamesmanship designed to distract Crowley as he prepared to kick. Ultimately, however, Crowley held his nerve and was able to convert his kick. Nevertheless, the earlier miss by Rory Scannell left Munster on the losing side, with the Sharks progressing 6-4 in the shootout after Bradley Davids slotted the decisive effort.
National and international media commentary has since questioned the boundaries of gamesmanship and sportsmanship, with social media awash with divided opinion. However, the Springbok camp, led by Kolisi, have made it clear where their sympathies lie. Speaking to journalists ahead of the Sharks’ upcoming semi-final, Kolisi expressed unwavering support for his teammate.
“We stand firmly behind Jaden. He is simply a fierce competitor,” Kolisi commented. “A bit of banter and gamesmanship has always been part of rugby—players from every country engage in it.” He suggested that the incident was being overly scrutinised and that such exchanges were nothing out of the ordinary for a sport as intense and passion-fuelled as rugby.
Kolisi further remarked, “People will say what they want, but from our perspective, this was just some banter between two players. Jaden knows he has our complete backing. In the heat of professional sport, moments such as these are inevitable.” He also pointed out that he himself has been on the receiving end of sledging and taunts but simply gets on with the game.
Addressing the louder accusations of cheating, Kolisi called for perspective and urged critics—notably many from Ireland—to “get over it”. He pointedly said, “If someone says something to me on the pitch, I don’t moan about it. We just get on with it, respond how we want, and move forward. That’s rugby.”
The Springbok captain continued his appeal for calm by emphasising the role of personality and expression in rugby’s unique culture. “We can’t try to box everyone into behaving the same way—we’re human, not robots. Sometimes you give a bit, sometimes you take a bit. That’s the theatre of sport,” Kolisi explained.
As the URC advances to its semi-final stage, this incident has brought renewed attention not just to on-field behaviour, but also to the passionate responses it can provoke from fans and countries with powerful rugby traditions. Kolisi’s words echo a belief that rugby should be allowed its moments of drama and individuality, provided it is kept within the spirit of competition.
While opinion remains divided, what is not in doubt is that rugby’s drama—on and off the pitch—continues to captivate its audience, making the build-up to the next round of fixtures all the more compelling.