Springboks Sweat on Kolisi, Nche Fitness Ahead of New Zealand Test

South Africa's coach Rassie Erasmus faces injury concerns for captain Siya Kolisi and key prop Ox Nche ahead of Saturday's test against New Zealand in Johannesburg. Erasmus has delayed his team announcement until Thursday, keeping his strategies close to the vest while assessing the fitness of his players.

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The only two doubtful players are Siya and Ox. I wouldn’t say Siya and Ox are still injured, it’s just niggles. And if they get through training today, they might be good for us. Apart from that, there are no others (injured).

Kolisi is recovering from a hamstring issue, and Nche is dealing with a knee injury. Erasmus described their conditions as 'niggles,' suggesting they could be available if they pass training assessments. "The only two doubtful players are Siya and Ox," Erasmus told reporters. "Apart from that, there are no others (injured)."

Erasmus also addressed speculation that the Springboks might attempt to slow the game down to disrupt New Zealand's fast-paced play. He dismissed these suggestions, emphasizing respect for the All Blacks' style. "They are advocating this high intensity rugby and 'no one can keep up with us'. They are not hiding it, everyone is talking about it," Erasmus noted, referencing their recent performances.

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They are advocating this high intensity rugby and 'no one can keep up with us'. They are not hiding it, everyone is talking about it.

The coach expressed frustration over the inability to hold pre-match meetings with referees unless both teams agree, suggesting this might contribute to media narratives. "There is definitely frustration from coaches around the world that you can't have pre-match meetings with the referee (anymore) if both teams don't agree," he said. The upcoming match is the first of four consecutive tests between the two nations over the next month.

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There is definitely frustration from coaches around the world that you can't have pre-match meetings with the referee (anymore) if both teams don't agree. I myself said this week that we don't need one.