Kolisi hopes for Rassie, World Rugby resolution: 'We don't think the world is against us'

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi insists that the Springboks do not see it as "them against the world" ahead of their final year-end Test against England at Twickenham on Saturday.

England play the Springboks in London on Saturday, with Eddie Jones renewing his rivalry with the South African side that knocked over his charges in the final of the 2019 World Cup. 

Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus has been given a two-game ban by World Rugby following his criticism of refereeing decisions during the ongoing European tour on Twitter.

READ | Eddie Jones draws line in sand over Rassie ruckus: 'We need to respect the referees'

Since Erasmus' second ban from World Rugby, the World Cup-winning coach has dominated headlines in the build-up to Saturday's Test against England.

Kolisi emphasised that the Springboks will not be using Erasmus' off-field drama as an excuse or distraction as the main focus should be on rugby.

"We don't think the world is against us, no. We're not the only team that is facing challenges and sometimes it's a different challenge that each team has," Kolisi told reporters on Friday in London.

"Our slogan is still the main thing and that is rugby, everything else that happens in between is the exception. For us, the team is a more important thing, the Springboks.

"People from our country expect us to deliver, no matter what we face. We can't be making any excuses."

When pressed by a British journalist whether Erasmus' social media antics were warranted, Kolisi gave a diplomatic answer as he hoped that matters get resolved soon.

"I actually don't want to talk about it, because it's a very sensitive thing. Anything I say could be written their own way, but we're learning as we going," said Kolisi.

"I know both parties are