The head coach of the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus, stated that the inspiring captain Siya Kolisi is fully healthy and ready to take the field in the second test match against the All Blacks, which will take place at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Previously, Kolisi did not participate in the first match of the series against the New Zealanders at Ellis Park Stadium due to a hamstring strain. When selecting the squad on Monday, he was initially considered alongside Paul de Villiers.
However, Erasmus dispelled all doubts regarding the injury, announcing that his captain is completely fit to play. On Tuesday at a press conference in Johannesburg, Erasmus confirmed: 'Siya Kolisi, one hundred percent, he will play as captain.'
The coach explained the nature of the injury, noting that it is a problem with the hamstring, not the knees, as was the case in 2019 and 2023. He specified that the injury occurred during a ruck contest when the player was pushed from behind, leading to an excessive stretch.
Erasmus explained that the coaching staff decided to be patient instead of rushing the forward's return too early in Johannesburg, where the home team lost 33-16. He added: 'A second-degree hamstring injury requires a little more time. The situation last week was uncertain, and we decided we could wait a bit regarding his rehabilitation.'
Nevertheless, Erasmus noted that Kolisi ran at full speed on Monday and Tuesday without any discomfort, so he is ready to play. Kolisi's return provides a timely boost of leadership to the Springboks team, which aims to recover from the loss in the first match, and Erasmus emphasized the broader significance of his presence, saying: 'Siya means a great deal to the team and to the country, both in good times and bad, on and off the field.'