Erasmus leaves door open for late changes with five Springbok injury updates
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his matchday squad for the upcoming game against the All Blacks but remains uncertain about the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi and winger Cheslin Kolbe. Several other players have been ruled out due to various injuries and concussion symptoms.
Why it matters
The injury status of key players significantly impacts the competitive balance of one of rugby's most prominent international rivalries.
Rassie Erasmus may have named his matchday 23 to face the All Blacks in game two of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, but he says there are a couple of changes that could yet be made.
It remains unclear whether captain Siya Kolisi will be fit in time to play, and superstar winger Cheslin Kolbe is hanging under a similar injury cloud.
While Kolisi’s name appeared on the team sheet, it was listed alongside Paul de Villiers, with a slash between them, signalling that the latter would step in should Kolisi not recover from his hamstring injury in time. Meanwhile, Kolbe’s name was left off the team sheet entirely, with Kurt-Lee Arendse named on the right wing.
The coach explained what it would take for the star duo to come back in and gave five more updates at his Johannesburg press conference on Monday.
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