Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche remain in contention for Saturday’s opening Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
The match is scheduled for 5.10pm, with both players recovering from injuries sustained earlier this season. Coach Rassie Erasmus said they could have a good chance of playing if they come through Monday’s training.
Siya Kolisi And Ox Nche Injury Update
Kolisi suffered a hamstring injury during the first half against Argentina in Buenos Aires about 10 days ago. Nche injured his knee during the opening Test against England, leaving the field early in the first half. The pair have made only one official Test appearance for the Springboks this season.
Nche has played just eight minutes since then, while Kolisi has managed 24 minutes. Utility forward Franco Mostert is also recovering, with Erasmus saying he is “really looking good”.
Springboks Delay All Blacks Team Announcement
Erasmus confirmed that the Springboks team for the All Blacks Test will only be announced on Thursday. He said the decision was made with New Zealand in mind.
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“The announcement is only on Thursday with respect to New Zealand and how tough this one’s going to be. The less time they have to prepare for our team the better, it’s not an arrogant thing, it’s a respect thing,” said Erasmus.
Springboks Prepare For All Blacks Battle At Ellis Park
Erasmus dismissed suggestions that the Springboks will deliberately slow the game against New Zealand. The All Blacks have shown an attacking style during their three Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour matches against South African franchises.
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“There are always multiple truths. Their truth, our truth and then what the world believes. If you go look at our last two games against New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington (last year), were those two games slow?” asked Erasmus.
He said the Springboks aim to balance their attacking approach with a system they can rely on under pressure. “Since Tony (Brown, attack coach) has been with us we feel we have been attacking all right and not too badly. But we always want to make sure that we have something to fall back on when the pressure is really tough.”
