Statement: Rassie Erasmus confirms major Siya Kolisi change - Ruck
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Statement: Rassie Erasmus confirms major Siya Kolisi change

25 August 2026
Steven

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to face the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday after recovering from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for the last three weeks.

Rassie Erasmus confirmed on Tuesday that Kolisi will start and captain South Africa in the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at DHL Stadium.

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The flanker suffered a grade two hamstring tear against Argentina three weeks ago and was initially considered doubtful for this weekend.

However, after completing full-speed running sessions without discomfort, Kolisi has been given the green light to return.

His inclusion means Paul de Villiers drops out of the matchday squad.

Kolisi will form a powerful back row alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.

Kolisi takes back captaincy

Du Toit had initially been named captain for what will be his landmark 100th Test, but Erasmus has now handed the responsibility back to Kolisi.

“Siya will be starting and he will captain the team,” Erasmus confirmed.

“It was a hamstring niggle, not something major like he had before 2019 or 2023. It was a grade two tear, and it takes a little time to recover, and that’s why we’ve been cautious.

“Last week it was touch and go, but we told him he had to run full out on Monday and he did so on Tuesday as well without any discomfort, so he’s good to go.”

Erasmus believes removing the captaincy responsibilities will also allow Du Toit to focus on his milestone appearance.

“In this match you probably don’t want captaincy responsibilities, with the 100 to think about, and on top of that needing to play well, so Siya is our captain.”

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