The Springboks could still make a late adjustment to their team for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks, with several players racing against time to prove their fitness.
Captain Siya Kolisi remains one of the biggest concerns after dealing with a hamstring problem.
He has been included in a selection bracket with Paul de Villiers, but a successful week of training could see Kolisi return to the starting XV at No 6 and reclaim the captaincy from Pieter-Steph du Toit.
Erasmus Highlights Kolisi’s Importance
Rassie Erasmus made it clear that Kolisi’s value extends well beyond his leadership responsibilities.
The Springboks coach pointed specifically to the flanker’s effectiveness at the attacking breakdown, an area where South Africa struggled during the first Test at Ellis Park.
Erasmus believes Kolisi can help the team maintain possession and make better use of attacking opportunities.
His defensive organisation alongside du Toit is another quality that the coaching staff regard as particularly important.
The combination has become informally known within the Springbok setup as “the gates”, reflecting the pair’s role in organising defensive structures.
Cheslin Kolbe Could Still Return
Kolisi is not the only player being monitored.
Star wing Cheslin Kolbe is also carrying an injury, while Ben-Jason Dixon, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie are among the other players dealing with fitness concerns.
Erasmus has left the door open for a late decision on Kolbe, although he suggested that a change remains unlikely.
The coach indicated that Kolbe would only come into serious consideration if his recovery progresses exceptionally well during the week. That would represent a departure from the usual approach of selecting players who are fully fit at the beginning of the week.
Multiple Injuries Complicate Preparation
South Africa’s injury list has grown following the first Test.
Moodie suffered a hamstring injury, while Williams sustained an ankle problem during the match.
Dixon is also being monitored after experiencing concussion symptoms, creating additional uncertainty for Erasmus and his coaching staff as they prepare for another encounter with New Zealand.
The Springboks therefore face the possibility of entering the Test with a team that could look slightly different by the time the final match-day decisions are made.
Du Toit Set for Major Springbok Milestone
Should Pieter-Steph du Toit take his place in the starting lineup, he will reach an important milestone by winning his 100th Test cap.
The achievement would make him only the 11th player in Springbok history to reach a century of international appearances.
His milestone comes just one week after Damian de Allende also joined the exclusive 100-cap club.
Prop Ox Nche is another player approaching a landmark, with his next appearance set to take his international tally to 50 Tests.
Etzebeth Extends World Record
Eben Etzebeth is also expected to add to his extraordinary Springbok record.
The veteran lock is set to earn his 144th Test cap, extending his status as South Africa’s most capped international player.
The match could also produce another notable record if Deon Fourie takes the field.
At 39, Fourie would become the oldest player ever to represent South Africa in a Test, overtaking the previous benchmark set by Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits, both of whom were 38 when they played their final Tests.
Fourie Set for Emotional Return
A potential appearance for Fourie would carry added significance because it would mark his return to Test rugby since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in France.
That final was also played against New Zealand, with South Africa securing a dramatic 12-11 victory to claim the World Cup trophy.
Fourie could therefore make his return against the same opponents who featured in his most recent international appearance.
Springboks Hold Strong Recent Record Against New Zealand
South Africa will enter the Cape Town clash with confidence after winning five of the last seven meetings between the two traditional rivals dating back to August 2023.
The most recent Cape Town meeting also ended in Springbok victory.
South Africa defeated New Zealand 18-12 in the Rugby Championship in 2024.
The current Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series is particularly significant because it represents the All Blacks’ first traditional rugby tour of South Africa since 1996.
A Highly Experienced Springbok Squad
If Kolisi is cleared and starts, South Africa’s starting lineup will boast a remarkable 1,012 combined Test caps, making it the most experienced starting team the country has ever fielded.
The backline accounts for 428 of those appearances, while the forwards contribute 584 caps.
The replacements add another 204 international appearances.
The average experience is equally striking, with the backline players averaging 61 caps and the forwards 73. The players on the bench average 26 international appearances.
What’s Next for the Springboks?
The focus will now shift to the training week, where Kolisi and the other injured players will have the opportunity to demonstrate that they are ready for the physical demands of another Test against the All Blacks.
Erasmus has already indicated that Kolbe could be considered for a late change if his recovery goes exceptionally well.
However, the coach’s comments suggest that the Springboks are unlikely to take unnecessary risks with players who have not fully recovered.
The final selection decisions could therefore come down to fitness assessments later in the week, with South Africa aiming to balance experience and continuity against the need to field players who are completely ready for battle.
Summary
The Springboks are monitoring several injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
Siya Kolisi is hoping to prove his fitness after a hamstring strain and could return as captain, while Cheslin Kolbe remains a potential late selection if his recovery progresses sufficiently.
Grant Williams, Canan Moodie and Ben-Jason Dixon are also dealing with injuries or concussion-related concerns.
At the same time, the match promises several major milestones, with Pieter-Steph du Toit set to reach 100 Tests, Ox Nche approaching 50, Eben Etzebeth extending his record to 144 caps and Deon Fourie potentially becoming the oldest Springbok to appear in a Test.
