Rassie Erasmus, the head coach of the Springboks, has provided an injury update ahead of their highly anticipated clash with the All Blacks in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series. Erasmus confirmed that Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche are the only players in doubt for the opening match at Ellis Park, with both players dealing with minor injuries.
Kolisi, the double World Cup-winning captain, suffered a hamstring injury during his return from a previous injury against Los Pumas in Argentina. Nche, on the other hand, experienced a setback during the victory over England and was not included in the trip to South America as a precautionary measure.
Despite the injuries, Erasmus expressed optimism that both players could be available for selection against New Zealand in Johannesburg if they successfully navigate through training on Monday. He described their injuries as 'niggles' rather than significant concerns.
The coach's decision to delay team naming until Thursday, the same day as the All Blacks' announcement, has sparked curiosity. Erasmus explained that this move is a gesture of respect towards the All Blacks, aiming to minimize their preparation time for the Springboks' team.
In other news, the fly-half position remains a closely guarded secret, with Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu all in contention. Erasmus hinted that a 6-2 split in the team might not be on the cards, suggesting that two fly-halves will be included in the final 23-man squad.
As the tension builds, Erasmus' strategic approach adds an extra layer of intrigue to the highly anticipated match, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the final team selections.
