Rassie Erasmus drops big Siya Kolisi, Ox Nché injury update ahead of Greatest Rivalry opener
Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed that Siya Kolisi and Ox Nché are the only injury concerns for the Springboks ahead of Saturday’s opening Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with both set to be assessed in training on Monday.
South Africa's Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus announced on Monday that Siya Kolisi and Ox Nché are the only two players facing injury concerns ahead of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park. Both players have been dealing with niggling injuries, with Kolisi suffering a hamstring issue against Argentina and Nché sustaining a knee injury against England earlier this year.
Despite their condition, Erasmus expressed confidence that if they continue to train well on Monday, they could be fit for the crucial match. The two players are considered vital to South Africa's success in the four-Test series, and their potential absence could prove problematic. Erasmus, alongside national laws advisor Jaco Peyper, refrained from revealing the team lineup on Monday, citing respect for the All Blacks.
The coach acknowledged that naming the team early would give New Zealand an advantage in preparing for the match, as they would have more time to study South Africa's strategies. Erasmus emphasized that the decision not to announce the team on Monday was out of respect, rather than any sense of arrogance.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
