There is hope in the Springbok camp that the injury suffered by captain Siya Kolisi on Saturday may not be as bad as first feared.

In a bruising battle between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park, Kolisi suffered a suspected fractured cheekbone, and he was widely expected to be unavailable this week.

However, it was interestingly confirmed on Monday that the Springbok team announcement had been delayed to Thursday, perhaps allowing more time for Kolisi to recover.

At a press conference, assistant coach Daan Human also revealed that Kolisi’s injury was being further assessed, admitting that there was indeed a chance he could be available for selection for this Saturday’s ‘rematch’.

If Kolisi is ultimately unable to be passed fit, Marco van Staden is then likely to return to the matchday 23, while Kwagga Smith at 6 could be another option.

Could the Springboks have Kolisi available this week?

Siya Kolisi was assessed and the Boks will likely make a call on his availability for the 2nd test against the All Blacks laterbthis week. The Bok team announcement scheduled for tomorrow is delayed till Thursday. Daan Human on the Kolisi injury #RugbyChampionship #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/3l8pJOypug

— Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) September 2, 2024

Ever-increasing injury list

Last week, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus already highlighted the long list of players unavailable for selection, ranging from Damian Willemse to Andre Esterhuizen to Franco Mostert to Faf de Klerk and RG Snyman.

Meanwhile, Kurt-Lee Arendse was knocked out cold at Ellis Park, and HIA protocols dictate that he definitely won’t be available this week.