By: Bon Miguela Nhlapo
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared for return to the squad to lead the Springboks against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Tuesday that Kolisi has recovered from a grade-two hamstring tear he suffered against Argentina three weeks ago and will start the second Test of the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Kolisi will captain a loose trio that includes Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese. Du Toit, who was initially named as captain, will celebrate his 100th Test cap in the match.
Erasmus decided to hand captaincy back to Kolisi so as to allow Du Toit to focus on reaching the milestone without the additional responsibility of leading.
“Siya will be starting and he will captain the team,” Erasmus said.
The coach explained that the Boks had taken a cautious approach to Kolisi’s recovery, but the flanker completed full-intensity running without any discomfort.
Erasmus also backed Kolisi’s leadership qualities, saying his influence extends beyond his performances on the field.
The Springboks head into Saturday’s Test looking to bounce back after their defeat to the All Blacks in Johannesburg last week. Looking back, Erasmus said the team’s review showed that South Africa had been dominant for much of the match but lacked accuracy in key areas. The coach also accepted responsibility for some of the decisions that contributed to the defeat.
With the All Blacks leading the series by one win, the Boks must win in Cape Town to keep their hopes of claiming the series alive.
The match kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.