Kolisi Facing Late Test As Kolbe Ruled Out

With captain Siya Kolisi facing a late fitness test and Cheslin Kolbe ruled out, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed a number of injury concerns ahead of the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Kolisi, who missed the opening Test defeat at Ellis Park, was still carrying a niggle on Sunday, but Erasmus remains hopeful that the veteran loose forward will recover sufficiently to take his place in the starting XV.

“Siya still had a niggle on Sunday,” Erasmus said. “If he gets through training today (Monday), we want to get him into the team, but he has to get through today’s training.”

Kolisi has been bracketed alongside Paul de Villiers as Erasmus reverted to naming his team on a Monday, having delayed the announcement in the build-up to the first Test to Thursday. The coach confirmed that the arrangement is designed to allow Kolisi to come into the starting XV if he proves his fitness.

“If he comes through, he’ll replace Paul (de Villiers),” said Erasmus.

The uncertainty surrounding Kolisi also explains why Pieter-Steph du Toit has been retained as captain for now. Should Kolisi pass his fitness test, the Springboks could make a late adjustment to their leadership structure.

“That’s also why Pieter-Steph remains as captain,” Erasmus said.

“If Siya gets through, we might make a change there. But we just want to make sure that, if Siya doesn’t get through, then at least we have the captain on the day.”

Asked what Kolisi would bring if he returns, Erasmus highlighted the captain’s ability to influence the attacking breakdown, particularly in an area where the Springboks struggled during their previous outing.

Erasmus also praised De Villiers for his performance, making it clear that his potential omission would be purely the result of Kolisi’s return rather than poor form.

“Paul played really well, and there’s no reason why we should keep him out,” Erasmus added.

However, Kolisi remains the Springboks’ preferred captain and brings a particular skill set to the side.

“Siya is our captain despite Pieter-Steph doing a sterling job, and Pieter is really playing well,” Erasmus explained. “Siya has strengths, one of which is the attacking breakdown.

“He’s really good at sorting that out fast, which was the area we struggled with.”

There is less optimism surrounding Kolbe, who is dealing with a fitness concern after being initially reported to be suffering from cramps. Erasmus indicated that the situation is more serious and confirmed that the winger is currently in the “amber” category.

“With Cheslin, it’s more than just cramps. He’s in amber at this stage,” Erasmus said.

Kolbe has been replaced by Ethan Hooker in the starting XV, although a late change remains possible if the experienced winger makes a strong recovery. However, Erasmus suggested that the more likely outcome is that Kolbe will not feature.

“There might be a late change with Cheslin if he really recovers well, but at this stage, I don’t think it will be.”

The Springboks are also dealing with several other unavailable players.

Ben-Jason Dixon is experiencing concussion symptoms after picking up the issue last week, while Boan Venter and Quan Horn are unavailable because they are set to play for the Lions in the midweek tour match against the unbeaten All Blacks.

There are also injury concerns surrounding Canan Moodie and Grant Williams.

“Unfortunately, Canan Moodie pulled a hamstring, and Grant Williams got an ankle injury,” Erasmus confirmed.

The growing injury list means the Springboks could still make late adjustments before kick-off, particularly depending on Kolisi’s fitness and Kolbe’s recovery.

For now, Du Toit remains captain, while the coaching staff will wait for the final medical assessments before deciding whether Kolisi can return to the starting lineup.