Siya Kolisi Announcement Brings Disappointment for Another Springboks Star Ahead of All Blacks Clash
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed Siya Kolisi has recovered from a Grade 2 hamstring tear suffered three weeks ago
- The former Sharks star's return means Paul de Villiers drops out of the matchday squad ahead of Saturday's Test
- Pieter-Steph du Toit will step down from the captaincy as he prepares to celebrate his 100th Test appearance
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Siya Kolisi has been cleared to start and lead the Springboks in their second Test against New Zealand at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August, coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Tuesday.
Kolisi sustained a Grade 2 hamstring tear during the first Test against Argentina three weeks ago, forcing him to sit out while Pieter-Steph du Toit stepped in as captain. His return to the starting XV comes at a direct cost to Paul de Villiers, who has been dropped from the matchday squad entirely.
**Kolisi Completes Full-Intensity Sessions**
Erasmus said the medical team managed Kolisi's rehabilitation with care before he was given the go-ahead.
"It was a hamstring niggle, not something major like he had before 2019 or 2023. It was a grade two tear, and it takes a little time to recover, and that's why we've been cautious," Erasmus said.
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"Last week it was touch and go, but we told him he had to run full out on Monday and he did so on Tuesday as well without any discomfort, so he's good to go."
Kolisi will take his place in a loose trio alongside Du Toit and Jasper Wiese for Saturday's contest, which forms part of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series.
**Du Toit Relieved of Captaincy Ahead of Milestone**
Erasmus explained that returning the armband to Kolisi was also intended to ease the burden on Du Toit as he approaches a significant personal milestone.
"Pieter-Steph just took the captaincy for us on Monday so Siya could fully concentrate on his recovery and his work, and I had a chat with Pieter-Steph today and he agreed," Erasmus said.
"In this match you probably don't want captaincy responsibilities, with the 100 to think about, and on top of that needing to play well, so Siya is our captain."
Du Toit will earn his 100th Test cap at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, a landmark the Springbok coach clearly wanted him to experience without the added weight of leading the side.
Erasmus also reflected on Kolisi's broader value to the squad beyond what he contributes on the field.
"The 23 guys who played together against Argentina played really well, and it's not just his game that is good, he's a very inspirational person who means a lot to this team on and off the field," he said.
Saturday's match will be Kolisi's 105th Test cap and his 73rd as captain, edging him closer to John Smit's South African captaincy record of 83 Tests.
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Source: Briefly News
