Springboks Captain and Racing 92 flanker, Siya Kolisi is likely to spend more time on the bench, after sustaining an ankle injury.
Kolisi was injured during his Racing 92’s Championships Cup round of 16 match in Toulouse, France this past weekend, in what was meant to be his comeback game, after he took more than a month off, following a hand surgery.
The extent of his injury has not yet been confirmed.
The news of Kolisi’s mishap was met with mixed reactions on social media.
@WarwDGoldie commented “Again! Why is he so frequently injured”?
“All the best with the recovery,’’ said @eugon_mcneil.
Kolisi has in the past displayed great ability to overcome obstacles, especially after suffering a partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) last year prior to the Rugby World Cup.
The iconic captain was able to make a full recovery and led the Boks to a record victory.
Despite this, the Springboks are still faced with a significant injury blow ahead of their International Season which kickstarts in June against Wales at Twickenham, London.
The list of key injured players includes Lukhanyo Am, Handre Pollard and the team’s hooker, Malcom Marx who has since been sidelined after sustaining a knee ligament injury during training in the pool stages of last year’s World Cup.
Two time SA Ruby Player of the year award winner, Eben Etzebeth is also included in the list, but is expected to be fit for the Ireland encounter.
The squad consisting of mostly SA-based and younger players, is currently in camp for preparations ahead of the Ireland Tests and the once off match against Portugal.
The world champions will then turn their focus towards New Zealand in the Rugby Championship Tests.
