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Siya Kolisi in doubt for World Cup after suffering knee injury
By Ben Smith
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi may miss this year's World Cup event after scans confirmed the worst after he left the Sharks clash against Munster with a knee injury.
The Sharks flank was forced from the field in the early minutes of the game but was able to stand and walk off on his own accord.
But South Africa's Independent Newspapers group reported that the World Cup-winning flanker suffered a partial ACL tear that typically involves a 9 month recovery process if surgery is undertaken.
The report said that Kolisi has seen two specialists who have recommended surgery, and a third will be consulted before a decision is made.
If he has to go under the knife to repair the damaged ACL it would put his World Cup campaign in doubt which begins on September 8, a little over four months away.
The news is devastating for the inspirational figure who led his country to World Cup victory in 2019.
Kolisi is set to join French powerhouse Racing 92 in the Top 14 at the conclusion of the World Cup but would still be eligible to represent the Springboks as an overseas-based player.
With or without surgery, Kolisi is sure to miss the Springboks reduced Rugby Championship campaign which begins in July with a Test at home against the Wallabies.
They travel to New Zealand to face the All Blacks before two Tests against Argentina, one outside the Championship, before meeting the All Blacks again in a pre-World Cup clash at Twickenham.
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Latest Comments
That’s not how it works.
When you sign a SR contract you have to declare for New Zealand/ABs. Any Kiwi who chooses to represent a heritage nation falls under the quota amount.
Yeah the important thing is for WR to create a sustainable future for such nations, NZ will not always be able to or want to do it. Obviously a base in Apia (suspect more feasible than Tonga) and something higher profile like this Lions series tour match they’ve involved in. I have no problem with Auckland being a poly destination if the community is getting onboard to enable it (which hopefully after 3 years we are seeing).
Go to commentsHave you considered that, you know, since they get paid and all, maybe they’ll od their job and prep for ALL the teams they face? I mean, 4 years is a LONG time to get ready.
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