Siya Kolisi faces a race against time to be fit for the All Blacks as the Boks count their injury losses. Image: Gallo Images.
(The Post News)– The Springboks’ week went from bad to worse after their 38-22 loss to Australia at Ellis Park. Injuries have ruled out Captain Siya Kolisi and three other key players for Saturday’s rematch in Cape Town.
Kolisi’s knee injury is serious enough to sideline him for around a month. This leaves his availability for the All Blacks clash at Eden Park on 6 September in major doubt. Pieter-Steph du Toit is also out after suffering a concussion.Wingers Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe are also out due to knee and ankle injuries, respectively.
The injuries have forced Coach Rassie Erasmus back to the drawing board. The Boks already had limited loose forward options in camp, with Marco van Staden, Kwagga Smith, and Jean-Luc du Preez the only recognized specialists. Erasmus may now need to recall additional players such as Evan Roos or Vincent Tshituka.
On the wings, Canan Moodie is expected to step in, with Cheslin Kolbe likely to return as well. Other possible recalls include Handré Pollard, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Morne van den Berg, and Damian de Allende. Erasmus will name his new-look side on Tuesday, with fans hoping for a strong response after the Ellis Park setback.
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