VIDEO: Rassie reveals the Bok stars returning to action next week

VIDEO: The Springbok team to face Italy in Gqeberha next weekend will welcome back some big names who are returning from injury.

That includes Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, which could indicate that Jesse Kriel will not captain the side again when South Africa hosts Italy in Gqeberha next Saturday.

After picking up a neck ‘niggle’, Kolisi is now suffering from a stiff Achilles, and as a precaution, it was decided to give him another week to recover.

“It [neck] was nothing serious. That’s all cleared up now. But now he has a bit of Achilles, not a strain at all. He’s just really stiff there, so we just want to make sure,” Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explained on Tuesday during the team announcement.

“I don’t think there’s a player that will play more than eight or nine matches for us this year. So, we’d rather make sure that Achilles is 100 percent ready.

“But it’s nothing serious. The scans, everything show that it is clear. We’re just careful with him.”

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And whatever the outcome will be at Loftus this weekend, a few other injured Springboks will likely make a return to the pitch in the second Test.

Those players are flank Pieter-Steph du Toit, scrumhalf Grant Williams (hamstring), and wing Makazole Mapimpi, who are all expected to be available for selection next week.

Du Toit underwent shoulder surgery after the end-of-year tour before continuing his rehabilitation with Japanese club Verblitz. He has not been in action this season.

Erasmus revealed that Lukhanyo Am (knee) will be out for longer and could only make his return for the Rugby Championship in August.

The Springboks face Australia on August 16 at Ellis Park, followed a week later by the second Wallabies clash in Cape Town (August 23).

Erasmus also revealed that prop Ntuthuko Mchunu (knee), who joined his new outfit, the Stormers, on July 1, was looking much better after it was initially thought he would be out for six or seven weeks.

“I just spoke to Tuks (Mchunu) and we thought it was going to be a six-seven week injury, but it is looking good for him.

“Obviously, we’ve got Boan [Venter] in for cover there.

“Frans Malherbe is definitely out for the season,” Erasmus confirmed.

The Bok coach also explained that lock Jean Kleyn, injured in the Barbarian match in Cape Town last weekend, could be sidelined for up to six weeks with a knee injury.

“Munster will give more clarity on that because he is their player.”

Jean-Luc du Preez has been given the week off as he and his wife are expecting their child over this time.