For passionate Springbok fans, seeing Siya Kolisi missing from the team sheet for all three July Tests has naturally sparked some anxiety.
The beloved national captain was a late, heartbreaking withdrawal right on the eve of the Test season opener against England due to a niggling hamstring injury. Initially, it was thought Kolisi would only sit out a match or two. However, a strict precautionary approach saw him sidelined again for this weekend’s clash against Wales in Durban.
But Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has urged South Africans not to panic. The master tactician has a highly calculated long-term roadmap in place.
The “Common Sense” Approach to Kolisi’s Hamstring
Speaking from the training camp, Erasmus made it clear that while Kolisi and a few other key veterans are close to 100%, taking risks right now makes zero tactical sense with a massive season ahead.
“We were hoping to play guys like Siya in this game [against Wales], but all of them have a niggle,” Erasmus explained. “I’ve been saying every week that they’re close, but common sense says we have Argentina away, and all those guys will be ready for that game.”
With the Rugby World Cup coming up next year, managing the game-time of veteran stars like Kolisi is the coaching staff’s ultimate priority.
The Springbok Masterplan: Target Argentina, Prepare for the All Blacks
The Boks are playing a multi-layered strategic game over the next two months. Erasmus revealed a split-squad plan designed to keep the team fresh for their biggest rivals:
- The Argentina Test (8 August): Heavyweights like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, and Franco “Sous” Mostert are expected to travel to South America to get crucial, high-intensity game time under their belts.
- The New Zealand Preparation: While the main match-day squad travels to Argentina, a group of 15 to 17 core players will remain behind in South Africa. This group will immediately begin intense, focused preparation for the massive four-match home series against the All Blacks in August and September.
Underestimating Wales is Not an Option
Before the Boks can turn their focus to the Pumas and the All Blacks, they have a massive job to do against Wales in Durban this Saturday. Erasmus is under no illusions about the threat the Dragons pose, noting their competitive edge in recent Northern Hemisphere clashes.
The match kicks off this Saturday at 17:40 SAST, broadcast live on SuperSport.
