After last weekend’s intense Test match between the Springboks and All Blacks, all eyes have been on Siya Kolisi and his injury.
Kolisi took a heavy hit during the second half, raising concerns that he might have fractured his cheekbone following a tackle from All Blacks flanker Sam Cane.
Quick Recovery and Team Selection
Despite initial fears that Kolisi’s injury could keep him out of this weekend’s rematch in Cape Town, he’s made a speedy recovery.
Remarkably, he’s been named in the squad for Saturday’s crucial game.
On Thursday, it was revealed that Kolisi had the choice to have his broken nose reset immediately, which would have sidelined him for this match.
Instead, he chose to delay the procedure, underscoring the significance of this fixture for the Springbok captain.
Controversy Surrounding the Tackle
The tackle by Cane, which led to Kolisi’s injury, has sparked some controversy.
Referee Andrew Brace confirmed that the TMO reviewed the incident and deemed it worthy of just a penalty.
This decision raised eyebrows, especially given World Rugby’s strict stance on high tackles.
Replays showed Cane’s shoulder making contact with Kolisi’s face, with Cane failing to bend at the hips before the tackle.
Many felt it could have warranted a red or at least a yellow card, similar to a previous incident where Cane was sent off in the World Cup final for a high shot.
No Citing Against Cane
On Thursday, Rassie Erasmus revealed that the Springboks chose not to report Cane to the citing commissioner, despite having the option to do so.
It seems that Cane’s apology after the Ellis Park Test played a role in this decision.
Latest Updates and Team Line-Up
Here are some recent updates on Kolisi’s situation:
- Leighton Koopman: “Siya Kolisi trained on Monday and was included in the team list with Marco van Staden. Kolisi assured he wouldn’t be hesitant in contact and that his nose injury could be addressed after the second #RSAvNZL #RugbyChampionship Test.”
- Stephen: “Siya Kolisi does have a fracture from last weekend. He had the option to get it reset immediately, which would have ruled him out of this weekend’s match, but he chose to wait. This game is crucial for him.”
- Hendrik Cronjé: “Rassie Erasmus decided not to cite Sam Cane for the tackle on Siya Kolisi as Cane had apologized to the Springboks after the Ellis Park Test.”
Springboks’ Line-Up for Saturday
Here’s how the Springboks will line up for the match:
Starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Kwagga Smith, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Jaden Hendrikse, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Lukhanyo Am.
Historical Stats
- Springbok Record Against New Zealand:
- Played: 107
- Won: 41
- Lost: 62
- Drawn: 4
- Points For: 1,772
- Points Against: 2,223
- Tries Scored: 171
- Tries Conceded: 244
- Win Percentage: 38.3%
Stay tuned for more updates as the big match approaches!
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