The Springboks have been dealt a potentially significant injury blow ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series after captain Siya Kolisi suffered another hamstring problem.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
Kolisi was making his first international appearance of 2026 in Saturday’s 17-10 victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires, having missed South Africa’s Nations Championship campaign with a hamstring injury.
However, the 34-year-old lasted just 24 minutes before being forced from the field, leaving the world champions sweating on his fitness less than two weeks before the opening Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.
Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Kolisi confirms setback
“I hurt my hamstring again, unfortunately. So, I’ll go for a scan and see how far it is,” Kolisi said after the game.
“It is really tough, but I can’t be sad about it. There is nothing I can do now, other than to go and have a scan and then see how long I’m out for.”
Rassie Erasmus will now anxiously await the results, although the Springboks boss was hopeful the setback would not prove too serious.
The injury was the major concern from an otherwise useful outing for South Africa, with Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager among several players getting valuable minutes following injury lay-offs.
All Blacks await
Attention now turns to the historic four-Test series against New Zealand, part of the All Blacks’ first traditional tour of South Africa since 1996.
The opening Test takes place at Ellis Park on August 22, followed by meetings in Cape Town and at FNB Stadium before the rivals head to Baltimore for the final encounter.
Kolisi’s availability will now be one of the biggest talking points heading into the series.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures
Friday, August 7
Stormers 21-38 All Blacks – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday, August 11
Sharks v All Blacks – Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Saturday, August 15
Bulls v All Blacks – Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, August 22
Springboks v All Blacks – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
First Test
Tuesday, August 25
Lions v All Blacks – Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, August 29
Springboks v All Blacks – DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Second Test
Saturday, September 5
Springboks v All Blacks – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Third Test
Saturday, September 12
Springboks v All Blacks – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Fourth Test
Five Springboks who flopped against Argentina
Here are five Springboks who struggled against Argentina.
1. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
A difficult afternoon for the returning fly-half despite contributing five points from the tee.
Argentina deliberately sent plenty of traffic down Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s channel and, while there were some encouraging early carries, South Africa’s attack lacked cohesion.
His kicking from hand became a particular problem. The Boks repeatedly kicked too long to offer their chasers a realistic contest, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach and Aphelele Fassi all guilty during an ineffective first-half kicking display.
The frustration was summed up when, following a lengthy spell of possession, the 24-year-old dropped into the pocket and attempted a drop goal – only to see the ball crash against the crossbar.
There were flashes of the player who has become such an important figure for Erasmus, but plenty of rust too.
