{"id":40523,"date":"2026-08-19T16:43:55","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:43:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=40523"},"modified":"2026-08-19T16:43:56","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:43:56","slug":"springboks-receive-siya-kolisi-fitness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/springboks-receive-siya-kolisi-fitness\/","title":{"rendered":"Springboks Receive Siya Kolisi Fitness Boost Ahead of All Blacks Test at Ellis Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks have received a timely injury boost ahead of their opening Test against the All Blacks, with captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche both progressing well in their recovery and remaining in contention for selection. The teams meet at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the opening match of Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry series. Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones confirmed this week that both players had trained without any setbacks, giving the world champions renewed optimism ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the international rugby calendar.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-663819853\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to name his matchday squad on Thursday after delaying the announcement to limit New Zealand&#8217;s preparation time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/kaizer-chiefs-loan-five-players\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Kaizer Chiefs Loan Five Players to Boost First Team Development Ahead of 2026 Season<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Positive Injury Update for Kolisi and Nche<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa&#8217;s preparations have been boosted after encouraging reports emerged from the Springbok training camp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rugby365.com\/countries\/new-zealand\/jones-gives-update-on-kolisi-nche-as-boks-prepare-for-all-blacks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">According to assistant coach Felix Jones<\/a>, both Kolisi and Nche have responded well during training and have not experienced any complications in their rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Both are tracking pretty good,&#8221; Jones said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;There&#8217;s been no flags or issues from what we&#8217;ve seen today in training.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The update comes after concerns surrounding two of the Springboks&#8217; most influential forwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kolisi was forced from the field after only 24 minutes during South Africa&#8217;s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires after suffering a hamstring problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nche has also spent time on the sidelines after injuring his knee during the Springboks&#8217; Test against England earlier this season and has played only limited rugby since then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their return would provide valuable experience and leadership against an All Blacks side that has arrived in South Africa unbeaten under new head coach Dave Rennie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Erasmus Continues to Monitor Fitness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While the latest update is positive, neither player has officially been declared available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this week, Erasmus described the concerns surrounding both players as &#8220;niggles&#8221; rather than serious injuries, suggesting the medical team remained optimistic about their recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both players still needed to complete another training session before a final decision on selection could be made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks are also monitoring lock Franco Mostert, who has continued his recovery and is reportedly making good progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the coaching staff, there are currently no other significant injury concerns within the squad ahead of Saturday&#8217;s Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-319441752\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team Announcement Delayed Until Thursday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike previous Test weeks, Erasmus has chosen to delay naming his squad until Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok coach said the decision was made out of respect for New Zealand while also limiting the amount of preparation time available to the visitors before the opening Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The later announcement has added further anticipation ahead of one of rugby&#8217;s biggest annual fixtures, with supporters eagerly awaiting confirmation of whether Kolisi and Nche will feature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Their inclusion would significantly strengthen South Africa&#8217;s forward pack for what is expected to be a highly physical contest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ellis Park Set for Another Historic Springboks and All Blacks Clash<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saturday&#8217;s match marks the opening fixture of Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry series, with Ellis Park once again hosting one of world rugby&#8217;s most anticipated encounters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg has witnessed many memorable Springboks versus All Blacks clashes over the decades, and another capacity crowd is expected for this latest meeting between the two rugby powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks enter the match after an extensive international campaign that included Tests against the Barbarians, England, Scotland, Wales and Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New Zealand, meanwhile, prepared by facing South African United Rugby Championship franchises before beginning the Test series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Springboks Draw Lessons from South African Franchise Matches<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok coaching staff have also used feedback from local franchises that recently faced the touring All Blacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jones said several consistent themes emerged from those matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to him, coaches examined New Zealand&#8217;s approach at the breakdown and how the All Blacks defended driving mauls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks have incorporated those observations into their preparations while continuing to refine their own systems ahead of Saturday&#8217;s encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa has also experimented with a virtual training system designed to sharpen players&#8217; reactions to contestable kicks, another area expected to play an important role during the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-319441752\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Kolisi&#8217;s Return Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kolisi&#8217;s potential availability extends beyond his influence as captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The loose forward remains one of the Springboks&#8217; most experienced leaders and plays a central role in the team&#8217;s defensive organisation, physicality around the breakdown and communication with match officials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His return would provide stability to a squad preparing for one of its toughest challenges of the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nche&#8217;s possible return is equally significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The loosehead prop has become one of the Springboks&#8217; key scrummaging weapons and forms part of a forward unit that has consistently dominated at set pieces in recent seasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With New Zealand expected to challenge South Africa physically, experienced forwards will be critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg will once again become the centre of the rugby world when the Springboks host the All Blacks at Ellis Park this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng supporters, the encouraging fitness update increases the likelihood of seeing captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche back in Springbok colours for one of the country&#8217;s biggest sporting occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Test is also expected to bring thousands of visitors into Johannesburg, providing a boost for hospitality, accommodation and businesses around the stadium precinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When do the Springboks play the All Blacks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa hosts New Zealand on <strong>Saturday, 22 August 2026<\/strong>, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Siya Kolisi fit to play?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones, Kolisi is progressing well in training and remains in contention for selection, subject to completing final fitness assessments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What injury did Siya Kolisi suffer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kolisi sustained a hamstring problem during South Africa&#8217;s Test against Argentina in Buenos Aires earlier this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is Ox Nche available?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nche is also progressing well following a knee injury and remains in contention for Saturday&#8217;s match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the Springbok team be announced?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce the Springbok matchday squad on <strong>Thursday<\/strong>, ahead of Saturday&#8217;s opening Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As anticipation builds ahead of another chapter in rugby&#8217;s greatest rivalry, the Springboks have received encouraging news at exactly the right time. With Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche both moving closer to full fitness, South Africa could head into the Ellis Park showdown with two of its most influential forwards available. Final confirmation will come when Erasmus names his squad, but the latest update has given Springbok supporters fresh optimism ahead of one of the biggest Tests of the year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Springboks have received a timely injury boost ahead of their opening Test against the All Blacks, with captain Siya Kolisi and prop Ox Nche both progressing well in their recovery and remaining in contention for selection. The teams meet at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the opening match of Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry series. Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones confirmed this week that both players had trained without any setbacks, giving the world champions renewed optimism ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the international rugby calendar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":40526,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"springboks","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[11785,11589,11742],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-40523","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-rugby-updates","tag-south-africa-sports","tag-springboks-news"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40523","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40523"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40523\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40525,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40523\/revisions\/40525"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40523"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40523"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40523"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=40523"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}