As the Springboks and UFC Champion Dricus du Plessis continue their preparations for Perth showdowns this weekend, World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi has sent some motivational words to the rugby fan Du Plessis.

The Springboks face Australia in their second game of the Rugby Championship on Saturday before Du Plessis looks to defend his UFC Middleweight title for the first time on Sunday in a rumble against Israel Adesanya.

It has already been confirmed that the Springboks will be in attendance for Du Plessis’s fight with Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth set to walk him into the octagon, but there was further bonding on Friday as Kolisi delivered an important message to du Plessis.

“You came halfway around the world to watch us play at the 2023 World Cup in France. I hope we inspire you as much as you inspire us.

“We do it as a team, while you go into the ring by yourself. But we are all behind you. This is not just for South Africa, but the whole of Africa.

“Thank you for asking me and my bestie to walk with you!”

Du Plessis responded by saying: “As a young kid, you look at the Springboks and see superheroes.

“Every young kid in South Africa wants to be a Springbok, and you look at those guys and you think ‘it’s impossible, they are mythical creatures’. But when you meet them, you see they are human and awesome people.

“For me to be here today, having all of you supporting me, it means the absolute world. We have shown the world that we can do it and it’s going to be a clean sweep, I have no doubt!

“I can’t wait to make you and the country proud, just like you guys are going to make us proud on Saturday,” he said.