The Springbok team set to play against Italy in Gqeberha next weekend will see the return of several key players who have been out due to injuries.
This includes captain Siya Kolisi, which suggests that Jesse Kriel might not lead the team again when South Africa takes on Italy in Gqeberha next Saturday. After experiencing a minor neck issue, Kolisi is now dealing with a stiff Achilles, so the team decided to give him another week to heal.
“It [the neck] was nothing serious. That’s all cleared up now. But now he has a bit of stiffness in his Achilles; it’s not a strain at all. He just feels tight there, so we want to be cautious,” explained Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus during Tuesday’s team announcement. “I don’t think any player will play more than eight or nine matches for us this year. So, we’d rather ensure that his Achilles is completely ready.”
He added, “But it’s nothing serious. The scans show everything is clear. We are just being careful with him.” Regardless of the result at Loftus this weekend, several other injured Springboks are likely to return for the second Test.
These players include flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, scrumhalf Grant Williams (who is recovering from a hamstring injury), and wing Makazole Mapimpi, all of whom should be available for selection next week. Du Toit had shoulder surgery after the end-of-year tour and has been rehabilitating with Japanese club Verblitz. He hasn’t played this season yet.
Erasmus announced that Lukhanyo Am (knee) will be out for a longer period and may only return for the Rugby Championship in August.
The Springboks are set to play against Australia on August 16 at Ellis Park, followed by another match against the Wallabies in Cape Town on August 23.
Erasmus also mentioned that prop Ntuthuko Mchunu (knee), who joined the Stormers on July 1, is showing improvement after it was originally believed he would be sidelined for six to seven weeks.
“I just talked to Tuks (Mchunu), and we thought it would be a six- or seven-week injury, but he’s looking good now,” Erasmus said. “Of course, we have Boan [Venter] available as backup.”
Erasmus confirmed that Frans Malherbe is definitely out for the season. He also stated that lock Jean Kleyn, who got injured during the Barbarian match in Cape Town last weekend, might be out for up to six weeks due to a knee injury. “Munster will provide more information since he is their player.”
Jean-Luc du Preez has been given this week off because he and his wife are expecting their baby soon.
