The Springboks are anxiously waiting to find out if captain Siya Kolisi will be fit to play in Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium. A decision on his availability is expected today or tomorrow.
Kolisi suffered a facial injury during the Springboks’ 31-27 victory over New Zealand at Ellis Park last Saturday. Head coach Rassie Erasmus said the captain might have a fractured cheekbone and is being assessed by the medical team. “The doctor will have to look at him,” Erasmus said. “He looks a bit better now.”
Kolisi praised his team’s performance in coming back from a 10-point deficit, crediting the leadership within the squad for staying calm under pressure. “Whenever we are behind, we never panic,” Kolisi said. “We have many leaders who step up and speak out.”
Erasmus commended his team’s grit in overcoming a strong New Zealand side that controlled much of the game. “The guys did really well against a team that dominated for long periods,” he said. “We stayed focused and came through.”
The Springboks now hope Kolisi will recover in time for the crucial match against the All Blacks this weekend.
