Siya Kolisi sustained hamstring injury before match against All Blacks

Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi refuted assumptions about a guaranteed spot in the squad before his return following an injury against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Kolisi insists that no player has a fixed place in the national team; he stated that every team member, whether a veteran or a newcomer, must constantly prove their right to wear the green and gold.

Kolisi is part of a group of high-profile senior stars who will feature in the starting fifteen on Saturday evening in the test match against Argentina at the José Amalfitani Stadium. He will be joined by experienced players such as Eben Etzebeth, Lud de Jager, and Andre Esterhuizen. The match will also mark the return of several promising young talents, including playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and defender Ethan Hooker, while wingers Cameron Hanekom and Elraig Low continue their integration after long breaks due to injuries.

Despite his status as a captain who has won the World Cup twice, Kolisi, who recovered from a hamstring injury, believes that reputation does not matter when it comes to squad selection. Speaking from the Springbok camp in Buenos Aires, he said: 'No one here is set, and everyone must play and prove themselves.' He added that regardless of who you are, you are happy to play for South Africa, and Argentina is a tough team that will be pleased to play them.

Since Los Pumas were forced to name an unfamiliar lineup because the match took place outside the standard global off-season window, Kolisi reported that the Springboks conducted extensive research on Argentina's new squad. He noted: 'They have many players getting opportunities, and we had to do a lot of homework because their young debutants haven't played much.'

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus previously expressed full confidence in his captain's readiness this week, citing Kolisi's proven experience in returning after long-term injuries at the elite level. For Kolisi himself, the focus remains entirely on performance, not on the pressure of personal achievements. He shared his feelings: 'I feel good. The last two weeks have gone very well.' He also mentioned training in Johannesburg for two weeks before arriving in Buenos Aires, noting that his hamstring injury is fine, but he does not want to put extra pressure on himself, only to fulfill his role in the team.

The captain emphasized that internal competition, bolstered by rising wingers like Paul de Villiers, remains the foundation of the team's current success. Kolisi explained: 'One of the best things about this group is the competition.' He added that the open and direct communication style of the coaches allows them to know that if someone gets injured, another player will step in and perform. He concluded that the team is the most important element, and one should not worry about oneself, but rather wish success to those coming in to replace, in order to motivate oneself to play at maximum capacity. 'South Africa is the most important thing, much more than any single person in this group.'

Instead of defending his position, Kolisi views mentoring potential replacements as a fundamental duty. He stated: 'I will sit with the player who is coming in to make sure they are confident, ready, and motivated, and then, when it's my turn to come back, they will do the same for me. That's how we act for the best Springboks. That's what strengthens us and makes us strive even harder for our goals. We are all on the same page.'

Springboks forwards coach Deon David stated that the team wants players returning from injuries to give their maximum effort in the game against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday evening.

The Springboks squad wants their returning stars to 'play with all their might for as long as possible' during their comeback against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Captain Siya Kolisi, lock Eben Etzebeth, and Luke de Jager, flanker South Africa's Sacha Feinberg-Musengomozulu, halfback Handre Pollard, and scrum-half Morné van der Merwe are expected to return in the final test match before the clash with the All Blacks.

According to assistant coach Deon David, the primary objective is to restore these athletes' match fitness ahead of the upcoming match in the 'Great Rugby Rivalry' against New Zealand. Nevertheless, the Springboks are fully focused on the Los Pumas team and aim to secure another victory.

They anticipate a tough confrontation with the weaker Los Pumas side and understand that collective effort will be required for a win. David noted that the players have worked hard on their recovery from injuries, and the coaching staff simply wanted to see them gain valuable game experience before the intense series of matches.

'Obviously, we take into account when the players last played, and that will determine the intensity,' said David. He added that they have specific player management plans for the next few matches, as match fitness is a serious concern. Therefore, it is important for them to get on the field, prove themselves, and play at full capacity for as long as possible.

David emphasized that the team operates as a single unit, and all 23 players consider themselves vital to achieving a good result, so they are not concerned about overexertion on the returning stars. He expressed confidence in the players' readiness, noting that they have worked hard over the past couple of weeks to get back on the field, and they are looking forward to this moment.

The coach also mentioned that their immediate focus remains on Argentina. Although the All Blacks will conduct their 'Great Rugby Rivalry' campaign against the Stormers on Friday, the Boks intend to succeed in South America before shifting focus to their arch-rivals and the challenges awaiting them at home.

There is an ambition within the Boks camp to maintain their undefeated start to 2026 while bringing the returning players up to the necessary level for the upcoming six-week period. They have set specific goals, and the world champions do not view this match as a warm-up for the New Zealanders.

'This is a very important match for us given the upcoming difficulties. It gives us an opportunity to improve our own game and also ensures that our players are ready for the rest of the year. We also want to set certain standards as a team,' stated David. He added that Argentina presents a different challenge because it is a passionate and particularly audacious team when playing in Buenos Aires. He concluded that one always has to fight until the end when they visit there, and considers it a mistake to arrive thinking it is just the beginning.