The Springboks are sweating on the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi ahead of this year’s Rugby Championship.
With the southern-hemisphere showpiece kicking off on July 20, Kolisi is in a race against time to face Australia at Ellis Park in their opening match after suffering a knee injury while on duty in Super Rugby for the Stormers.
Of the flanker's comeback, coach Rassie Erasmus says: “Our captain, Siya Kolisi, is continuing with his rehabilitation and the aim is to have him ready in time for the start of the Rugby Championship.”
Week #2 💪
Springbok training camp 🏋️♀️
Loftus, Pretoria #LoveRugby🏉🇿🇦 @Official_Bozza @SuperSportTV pic.twitter.com/LLL3AoYOkK
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 1, 2019
Erasmus added players from the Bulls and the Sharks to his alignment camp in Pretoria over the weekend. He also included experienced Bath flanker Francois Louw.
Of the camp, Erasmus adds: “After our series of alignment camps, it was great to get the available group of players together and to get going with our field sessions.”
There were some players missing at the camp because of injury, they are: Ruan Botha (foot surgery), Dan du Preez (rib fracture), Warren Whiteley (knee surgery), Damian Willemse (knee surgery) and Jan Serfontein (ankle surgery).
Springboks in camp:
Forwards: Schalk Brits, Marcell Coetzee, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynardt Elstadt, Eben Etzebeth, Lizo Gqoboka, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Francois Louw, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Franco Mostert, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Faf de Klerk, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Warrick Gelant, Elton Jantjies, Herschel Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Dillyn Lleyds, Makazole Mapimpi, Sibusiso Nkosi, Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn.