Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that the Springboks will be without captain Siya Kolisi and three others for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test against the Wallabies in Cape Town.
After taking a 38-22 beating against Australia at Ellis Park last Saturday, the Springboks have received for more telling blows with news that Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe are unavailable for the rematch this week.
Kolisi picked up a knee injury and has ruled out for four weeks. Du Toit was left concussed after a bruising battle and will sit out the mandatory one week for head injuries.
Wings Arendse and Van der Merwe, who started in the first Test, picked up a knee and ankle injury, respectively. Both will be sidelined for three weeks.
In better news from the coach, Jasper Wiese is back and available for selection following his suspension, while Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe have returned to full fitness. All three are likely to feature this week.
Meanwhile, Erasmus announced that centre Jesse Kriel will take over the Springboks’ captaincy in Kolisi’s absence.
WHAT IS YOUR SCORE PREDICTION FOR SPRINGBOKS’ SECOND TEST MATCH?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
