Springboks Suffer Major Blow as Siya Kolisi and Key Players Ruled Out Before Australia Test

• The Springboks have been dealt a major blow with fresh injury concerns ahead of their Rugby Championship clash against Australia
• Captain Siya Kolisi is among the senior players sidelined, leaving South Africa facing a race against time to have him back
• Head coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed further setbacks as key positions continue to be tested by injuries and suspensions

The Springboks have been dealt a major blow after head coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed fresh injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s Castle Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Cape Town.

South Africa, who suffered defeat to the Wallabies at Ellis Park over the weekend, now face the prospect of going into the fixture without some of their most influential players.

The latest setbacks come at a time when the Boks are already reeling from their slip in the World Rugby rankings.

Erasmus, who is set to announce his match-day squad on Tuesday, revealed that captain Siya Kolisi is among the names on the injury list.

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Kolisi, who featured at number 8 in Johannesburg, picked up a knee problem that will sideline him for several weeks. His recovery timeline leaves him in a race against time to regain fitness ahead of a crucial tie against New Zealand at Eden Park.

See the tweet below:

This is the second time in recent weeks the Bok skipper has been forced out of action, having already missed both Italy Tests due to a niggle.

To compound matters, World Rugby’s 2024 Player of the Year, Pieter-Steph du Toit, has also been sidelined with a concussion, although Erasmus is optimistic he could return in time for the All Blacks clash.

“Pieter-Steph is out for a concussion, Kurt-Lee with a knee, and Edwill injured his ankle,” Erasmus explained, while also hinting at the possible return of Cheslin Kolbe, who could line up alongside Canan Moodie or Ethan Hooker.

See the tweet below:

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Number 8 position a curse

The number 8 position continues to be a challenge for the Springboks. Kolisi’s injury adds to a growing list of absentees in that role, with Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom already ruled out for the international season, and Jasper Wiese still serving a suspension following his red card against Italy.

Watch the video below:

Kolisi reacts to the Boks' defeat to Australia

Speaking after the match, Kolisi shared his thoughts on the Springboks' performance and rued their mistake in throwing away a 22-0 lead in the game.

The 34-year-old admitted that their performance wasn't good enough and was widely unacceptable.

"We let ourselves down, and we have to own that," said the Springbok captain after the match.

"It's simply not good enough. You start strong, then ease off — that’s not acceptable at this level. It just isn’t."

Eben Etzebeth makes history at Ellis Park

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Eben Etzebeth makes history in painful Springbok defeat

B.riefly News previously reported that the Springboks veteran Eben Etzebeth made history on Saturday at Ellis Park Stadium in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia.

The Boks, however, endured heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 22-0 lead to suffer a crushing 22-38 defeat.

It was their first loss to Australia at Ellis Park since 1963, and ended a 12-year unbeaten home run against the Wallabies.

Source: Briefly News