When the Springboks revealed their first Test team of the year, Siya Kolisi was once again conspicuous by his absence, sparking some concerns that an injury ‘niggle’ may have been more serious than first feared.
In fact, after recovering from a stiff neck, Kolisi will miss this Saturday’s clash against Italy due to an Achilles issue, but again this is primarily a precautionary measure.
“He had a stiff neck, which has cleared up, but now he’s got a bit of Achilles stiffness,” Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explained at the team announcement press conference. “It’s not serious – the scans are clear – but we’re just being careful. No player will play more than eight or nine matches this year, so we’d rather be safe.”
Other important updates from the Springbok camp
In other news, Pieter-Steph du Toit – who underwent shoulder surgery after the Springboks’ 2024 end-of-year tour – should be available from next week, while Grant Williams (neck) and Makazole Mapimpi (hamstring) are also nearly back to full fitness.
However, there will be a lengthier period on the sidelines for Lukhanyo Am, Jean Kleyn and Ntuthuko Mchunu (all knee injuries), with the trio only expected back in six to eight weeks.
Springbok team to face Italy – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Franco Mostert, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Faf de Klerk, 23 Willie le Roux.
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