Siya Kolisi

Captain Kolisi included in Springboks World Cup squad

Kolisi had major knee surgery in April but South Africa are confident he will be fit in time for their first pool game against Scotland in Marseille on 10 Sept.

There are 12 World Cup debutants but the Boks kept the bulk of the side that won the tournament in Japan four years ago.

But Am, who twisted his knee in a warm-up test against Argentina on Saturday, and Pollard, who has a long running calf injury, were among the notable omissions when the squad was unveiled at an elaborate televised ceremony.

Siya Kolisi in doubt for World Cup after suffering knee injury

The Sharks flank was forced from the field in the early minutes of the game but was able to stand and walk off on his own accord.

But South Africa’s Independent Newspapers group reported that the World Cup-winning flanker suffered a partial ACL tear that typically involves a 9 month recovery process if surgery is undertaken.

The report said that Kolisi has seen two specialists who have recommended surgery, and a third will be consulted before a decision is made.

Springboks will play anywhere - Kolisi

The two teams, who meet at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, were due to share a charter flight to Australia on Sunday for the next leg of the competition.

However, organisers are now scrambling for an alternative venue to complete the championship after New Zealand said on Friday they would not host the Springboks next month, or travel to play in Australia next week.

South Africa captain to start against British and Irish Lions

Kolisi leads a side which includes 11 of the players who started the World Cup final win over England in 2019.

Handre Pollard will win his 50th international cap after being selected at fly-half.

"We know what the players selected can do," said head coach Jacques Nienaber.

"The fact that most of the players participated in the Rugby World Cup means they know one another well on and off the field."

Kolisi, 30, played in the win over Georgia on 2 July, but only joined up with the squad in Cape Town on Monday after having to self-isolate for 10 days.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi tests positive for Covid-19

Dan du Preez, Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni and Makazole Mapimpi, plus three of the management team, have also tested positive for coronavirus.

It takes the total number of cases to more than 20 in the Springbok camp.

However, a "large group" of South Africa players will return to training on Sunday after six days of isolation.

The three-Test series against the touring Lions takes place on consecutive weekends from 24 July.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi released from Stormers contract to complete switch of clubs

In a statement released this weekend, it was revealed that Western Province “did everything possible” to keep the Springboks captain from leaving, but instead he decided to part from his contract early.

Kolisi began his professional career with the union, going on to have a decorated career with the Stormers. He’ll finish his time in Cape Town as the franchises’ second-most capped player of all time, second only to Schalk Burger (123 caps).

After leading the Super Rugby side in the 2017 and 2018 campaigns, he was named as the permanent captain of the national side.

Stormers retain Kolisi and Du Toit

Flanker Kolisi, who captained the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in November, and World Rugby Player of the Year Du Toit have committed their futures to the Cape Town-based Super Rugby side until 2021.

Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Scarra Ntubeni, Frans Malherbe, Damian Willemse and Dillyn Leyds will also remain with the Stormers.

They finished bottom of the South African standings in 2019 and head coach John Dobson knows they must realise their potential after securing the services of such key men.

Kolisi hails impact of win

The Springboks overpowered England in Yokohama to secure a 32-12 triumph, second-half tries from Makazole Mapimpi and Cheslin Kolbe sealing an emphatic win after six Handre Pollard penalties.

As a result, 24 years after Francois Pienaar accepted the Webb Ellis Cup from Nelson Mandela in one of sport's most iconic moments, there was another inspirational scene as Kolisi - South Africa's first black captain - lifted the same trophy.

In a stirring post-match interview, Kolisi said he hoped South Africa's success could inspire people throughout the nation.

Springboks captain has chance to make more history in Rugby World Cup final

Kolisi was 16 when the Springboks won their second Rugby World Cup title. There was no television at his home, he recalls, so he had to go to a tavern to watch John Smit lift the trophy after beating England in the 2007 final in Paris.

Twelve years on, the first black player appointed as Springboks captain gets a chance to etch his name in history on Saturday when he leads South Africa in the final against England in Yokohama.

"I know what it did for us back then," Kolisi said of that 2007 victory. "I have never seen people come together (like that) over sport."

Kolisi to captain South Africa

With Warren Whiteley unavailable due to a knee injury, flanker Kolisi - who has 28 caps for the Springboks – will take on the role against Eddie Jones' men.

Pieter-Steph du Toit has been named as skipper for the preceding Test versus Wales in Washington on Saturday.

South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said: "It's a huge honour to captain the Springboks and Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hard-working men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players.

"I believe both of them will do a good job as captains.