VIDEO: Unpacking the reasons behind starting Kolisi cold
REACTION: “It is always nice to get an experienced player like Siya [Kolisi] back playing again.”
In that one sentence, South African coach Jacques Nienaber encapsulated the selection of Kolisi for the crucial World Cup warm-up match against Wales in Cardiff on Saturday.
Kolisi, Ox Nche and Jaden Hendrikse will all make their first Test appearances of the year at the Millennium Stadium.
Kolisi and Nche make their return from injury, while Hendrikse makes his first appearance following a family bereavement.
“He always brings a ‘lekker’ vibe,” Nienaber said, adding: “It is awesome having him back in the build-up and the training sessions.
“It was not like he was out [of the team].
“He did his rehabilitation with us. He was part of the meetings and the team sessions.”
Nienaber said he wants to get as much game-time into his skipper as possible, ahead of the crucial World Cup opener against Scotland, in Marseille on September 10.
The same applies to scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, who recovered from shoulder surgery – before the tragic death of his father during the Rugby Championship delayed his return.
Nienaber said Kolisi’s return was not specifically planned for Saturday’s outing in Cardiff.
(WATCH as Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber unpacks the reasons behind starting captain Siyamthanda Kolisi and scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse against Wales…)
The timing of his return was planned around his recovery.
“We have [just] two games ahead of the crucial encounter with Scotland,” Nienaber said, adding: “We feel that if you start [the game] with a player, if he is no longer productive – after 20 minutes, 30 minutes, 40 minutes or 50 minutes – he can be replaced.”
With both Kolisi and Hendrikse both ‘fit and ready’ they will be given as much game time as they can handle against Wales.
“As long as they stay productive we’ll keep them on the field,” Nienaber said about the calculated decision.
“The more exposure and game time we can give them ahead of the World Cup, the better it is [for us].
“It is nice to have him available for two warm-up games.”
@king365ed
@rugby365com
