Springboks have options at No 6 and for captain … but if not Siya, then who?

Siya Kolisi, the two-time World Cup-winning captain and experienced No 6 flanker for the Springboks, faces uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming Test series against the All Blacks. The South African rugby team is concerned that Kolisi, who had only recently returned to action following a hamstring injury, may require scans to assess the extent of his latest hamstring issue.

Kolisi himself acknowledged the setback, stating that the injury "hurt my hamstring again, unfortunately, so I will go for a scan and see how it is." While Bok boss Rassie Erasmus remains cautiously optimistic about Kolisi's condition, he acknowledged that the injury "doesn't look too bad." However, Erasmus has already made preparations for the possibility of Kolisi's absence, calling up 39-year-old veteran Deon Fourie to the squad.

Fourie's return from a recent injury layoff has impressed, particularly during the Boks' match against the All Blacks last week. Despite his experience, Fourie is also capable of playing hooker, as he did for South Africa during the 2023 World Cup final. If Kolisi is ruled out of the series or for the first Test, Erasmus has other options for the No 6 position.

Rookie Paul de Villiers, who performed well in Kolisi's absence during the Nations Championship, could potentially fill the role. Marco van Staden, another experienced flanker who can play both openside and hooker, is also an option. The Boks' captaincy situation remains fluid, with Pieter-Steph du Toit leading the team earlier this season.

However, Eben Etzebeth's return from injury and his previous experience as a captain adds another layer of uncertainty.