Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has prepared for life without captain Siya Kolisi.
All indications are that the 28-year-old flanker, who is struggling with a knee injury, will not be ready to lead the team in the July 20 Rugby Championship opener against Australia.
So in steps Bulls flanker Marco van Staden, who was called up to join the alignment camp in Pretoria on Monday as cover for Kolisi.
Springbok loose forward Marco van Staden of the Vodacom Bulls was on Monday added to the Springbok training group and will join the rest of the squad immediately at their preparation camp in Pretoria. He has been drafted in as injury cover for Siya Kolisi (knee rehab). pic.twitter.com/SDKmOMJ971
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 1, 2019
A statement released by the South African Rugby Union reads: “Van Staden will remain in camp until there is absolute clarity about whether Kolisi will be able to take part in the initial stages of the Rugby Championship.”
INJURY PROBLEMS: Captain Siya. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix.
Van Staden, 23, made his international debut in Durban last year when he took the field against Argentina off the bench.
He then played off the wood again against Australia in Port Elizabeth, but did not make the Green and Gold squad for their touring sides.