Rassie explains Kolisi’s absence from second test against Italy as he says he will play again

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus regarding the absence of regular team captain Siya Kolisi ahead of the second Test against Italy.

The Boks made 11 changes to the side that defeated Italy 42-24 at Loftus Versfeld last week, ahead of the rematch against the Azzurri, and many expected Kolisi to be named in the matchday squad for the second Test in his hometown of Gqeberha

Kolisi missed out on Bok selection against the Barbarians a fortnight ago with a reported stiff neck before sitting out as a precaution for the first Test against Italy at Loftus Versfeld after suffering an Achilles tendon injury.

Erasmus explained Kolisi’s absence and the reason behind his absence, even though Kolisi could’ve featured in the first Test last week.

We weighed up the positives and negatives of playing him a week early.

“Siya [Kolisi] could’ve played last weekend, but we have 14 games this year, and if he [Siya Kolisi] could play 10 of them, it would be awesome.

“We’re also not expecting players to play 10 plus games this season.

While we have the luxury of resting him for another week, we know he wanted to play in this game because he is from here.

“It was a tough decision [to rest Kolisi], but I feel the wise decision was to rest him for another week.

“It’s not a serious [injury], but you know how an Achilles tendon is, if you rest it another week it can only be better for the player, but hopefully he’ll play next week.”

Up-front, loose forward Wiese starts alongside 2024 World Rugby Player of the Year Pieter-Steph du Toit, who hasn’t played since November, while van Staden retains the starting number six jumper.

Moerat partners Ruan Nortje in the second row while Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw remain at hooker and starting tighthead respectively with Thomas du Toit coming in at loosehead.