Siya Kolisi's Springboks Return Ignites New Debate Ahead of Georgia Clash

• Siya Kolisi returns to Springboks squad ahead of Georgia clash, making a comeback after injury layoff
• The 34-year-old missed the last three matches for Springboks, with Jesse Kriel leading the team in his absence
• Coach Rassie Erasmus released Boks squad that featured debutants, and Kolisi being named captain

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has returned to SA national team squad ahead of Georgia clash after being sidelined due to injury for some weeks.

The Sharks star missed the Springboks' last three games due to neck and Achilles niggles, with Jesse Kriel captaining the team in his absence.

The match against Georgia will mark Kolisi's first time leading the Springboks this season.

The 34-year-old's return comes as a good news for Rassie Erasmus who already lost Jasper Wiese to a four-match ban.

Kolisi's return sparks No 8 jersey debate

Wiese's ban put the Springboks in a situation of being short in the eighth-man position, and the coaches are considering the option of playing Kolisi in that position on Saturday against Georgia.

Wiese's ban put the Springboks in a situation of being short in the eighth-man position, and the coaches are considering the option of playing Kolisi in that position on Saturday against Georgia.

Stormers star Evan Roos is one of the replacements for the match on Saturday, and he's a strong candidate to take over the jersey.

On Monday, before the squad was released, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids talked about Kolisi's chances of playing the position, as he has primarily played as a six.

"We have several versatile players in the squad," said Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids on Monday.

"Siya, for example, has mostly played at No. 6 for us but has also featured at No. 8 for the Sharks.

"Evan Roos was in action this past weekend, and Marco van Staden also has experience in that role. There are several players we’re considering who we believe can step into that position.

"Ultimately, it will come down to the balance of the loose trio and the overall pack. Everyone is available for selection, and Siya is certainly part of those ongoing discussions."

In addition, Davids emphasised that the Springboks won’t be taking Georgia lightly, despite their recent loss to the Cheetahs last weekend. He also noted that the team is preparing for a physical battle.

"We treat every Test match as important; our goal is always to win," Davids added. "We never underestimate our opponents, and we understand Georgia’s DNA.

"They’re a physical side that gives everything on the field and has been highly competitive in their recent matches.

"They have their own ambitions and are pushing hard to earn a place in the Six Nations. Their visit to South Africa is another step towards that goal. We’re expecting a tough, competitive match, and for us, it’s an opportunity to maintain our standards."

Erasmus speaks on Jasper Wiese’s red card

Briefly News earlier reported that Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus expressed his disappointment over Jasper Wiese’s red card incident against Italy that got him sen off.

Wiese received the card for a violent head-butt on an Italian player during their match last weekend in Gqeberha.

Source: Briefly News