As the week began, Siya Kolisi’s injury during the match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park caused a stir, with many fearing the Springbok captain had fractured his cheekbone.
This led to widespread speculation that Kolisi would be sidelined for this Saturday’s highly anticipated rematch.
Interestingly, the Springbok team announcement, originally scheduled for earlier in the week, was pushed to Thursday.
This delay sparked hope that Kolisi might still recover in time to be considered for selection.
Hints of Recovery and Team Selection
By mid-week, assistant coach Daan Human hinted that Kolisi might still have a chance to play, with encouraging signs emerging from Wednesday’s training session.
However, the final decision would depend on whether Kolisi was able to train earlier in the week, as Springbok policy requires players to participate in Monday training to be eligible for selection.
If Kolisi isn’t cleared to play, it’s expected that Marco van Staden will take his place in the matchday squad, with Kwagga Smith also a possible option at the number 6 position.
Preparing for the Big Announcement
Rassie Erasmus, the Springbok coach, is set to reveal the matchday squad on Thursday morning.
The team will then complete their final preparations with a traditional captain’s run on Friday, a ritual that often sets the tone for game day.
Elrigh Louw, a rising star in the squad, shared his excitement about the upcoming match.
Reflecting on his recent experiences, he expressed admiration for his teammates, particularly Jasper Wiese and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Louw also described his recent game against New Zealand at Emirates Airline Park as a personal highlight, especially given the dramatic comeback that led to their victory.
A Growing Injury List
Adding to the team’s challenges, Rassie Erasmus has already pointed out the growing list of injured players, including key figures like Damian Willemse, Andre Esterhuizen, Franco Mostert, Faf de Klerk, and RG Snyman.
Additionally, Kurt-Lee Arendse, who was knocked out during the Ellis Park game, is ruled out for the week due to HIA protocols.
With so many players sidelined, the Springboks face a tough task as they prepare for what’s next.