Trevor Nyakane and Steven Kitshoff have their fingers crossed Siya Kolisi is fit and firing to lead out the Springboks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Kolisi was forced off after 24 minutes of last week’s win in Argentina after injuring his other hamstring, having only just returned from a hamstring niggle that ruled him out of the Nations Championship.
Speaking on For The Love Of Rugby: South Africa podcast, Kitshoff asked Nyakane about their former captain and fellow two-time World Cup winner, and if the 35-year-old would recover in time to face the All Blacks in the first Test on 22 August.
“Hey, Stevie, that’s a very sensitive one. They’ve got me running here at the Sharks, and I was trying to sort out my achilles. You’re running, and then, next thing, boom – I’ve got a bit of a hammy,” the 68-Test prop said.
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“It’s a bit of a concern. You need all your soldiers, and we said a week ago that we’d like to see the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series start with all the best players from each nation on the field.
“In terms of the Springboks, I’m not worried. There’s plenty of leaders, and there are always people willing to step up and fill the shoes. But, for him personally, yes, I’m a bit worried.
“I’d love to see the man doing what he does best in that Greatest Rivalry. It would be a sucker not to have him there.
“Hopefully it’s not that bad. Maybe it’s just a bit of stiffness, and he’ll be able to get back and do what he does best.”
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Former loosehead Kitshoff then pushed Nyakane whether Kolisi stays in the Bok camp if ruled out of the Test series, for his leadership.
“Of course he’s a leader, and someone that people look up to,” he replied. “I think the Springboks will always do things fairly, and Rassie [Erasmus] and the coaching staff will assess the situation.
“If he’s going to be fit to play but might miss one game – there are four games, after all – I think he still has enough time to return. In that case, it’s worthwhile keeping him.
“But if he’s going to miss the entire series, then you need to bring in some fresh blood. I’m not saying he won’t come back and reclaim his spot, but if you keep someone there who can’t train or play for you, you’re closing off a spot.”
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Photo: Juan Jose Gasparini/Gallo Images
The post Bok teammates worried about Siya appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Trevor Nyakane and Steven Kitshoff have their fingers crossed Siya Kolisi is fit and firing to lead out the Springboks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
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