Kolisi injury: Boks' worst fear set to be confirmed
INJURY UPDATE: It seems like the Springboks’ worst fear is set to be confirmed soon.
According to various media reports Springbok captain Siya Kolisi’s participation in the 2023 World Cup is in doubt following scans on his knee injury on Monday.
The 31-year-old sustained a knee injury in the opening 10 minutes of the United Rugby Championship match between Sharks and Munster this past Saturday.
The 2019 World Cup-winning captain tried to play on, but failed to recover.
AFP reported that he saw specialists on Monday and is set to meet another on Tuesday.
“Should surgery be recommended and Siya agrees, he will almost certainly not be able to play again this year,” a South African Rugby Union source told the French news agency.
“The alternate is to let the injury heal and that could take about four months — meaning he would be out of action until September.”
That would rule him out of Rugby Championship matches against Australia, New Zealand and Argentina. The tournament has been reduced to a single round this year because of the World Cup.
It would also prevent Kolisi from facing Argentina, Wales and New Zealand in warm-up matches before the 20-nation global showpiece kicks off in Paris on September 8.
The Springboks begin their World Cup defence against Scotland in Marseille on September 10 and also face Ireland, Romania and Tonga in Pool B.
#ICYMI: The Sharks Director of Rugby Neil Powell admitted his team’s quarterfinal trip to Dublin is not mission impossible despite some major injury concerns. 👇https://t.co/bfrt8oWgo1 #URC #Leinster #Sharks #LEIvSHA
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) April 24, 2023
IOL Sport reported that Kolisi has suffered an apparent partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) as well as injured his meniscus on both sides of his knee.
The online news outlet also revealed that Kolisi has already seen two specialists, one of who has recommended surgery.
Sharks confirmed to rugby365com, that Kolisi will see an additional specialist for another opinion.
#SPOTLIGHT: Where did it all go wrong? 👇#URC #Sharks #SouthAfrica #Springboks https://t.co/25cqbo5SZp
— rugby365.com (@rugby365com) April 24, 2023
Should Kolisi undergo surgery, it will mean he will be out of rugby for up to nine months and most certainly then miss out on the World Cup that starts in September.
The news is far from the farewell the beloved captain, who will join Racing 92 at the end of the World Cup, was planning.
To further fuel speculation, Kolisi’s wife Rachel posted a cryptic message on social media which could indicate that his injury on Saturday is worse than suspected.
She posted a photo on Instagram of her husband’s strapped hand along with a message asking for prayer.
“Believing for a miracle,” she wrote. “Would really appreciate if you would take a minute out your day to pray with us.”
Sources: IOL Sports & AFP
