Nienaber keeps faith with World Cup stars

SOUTH Africa’s squad preparing for the Rugby Championship contains 19 players who were involved in the 2019 World Cup final against England in Yokohama – with two more in contention for this year’s tournament in France. 

- PAUL REES

Skipper Siya Kolisi is one. He is going through rehab after having knee surgery in April and, while he will not feature in the Rugby Championship which for the Springboks starts against Australia in Pretoria on July 8, the flanker is expected to be in contention for their warm-up fixtures in August, which include a Test against Wales.

“Siya has been hitting the targets that have been set for him and he is on track,” said South Africa’s head coach, Jacques Nienaber. “We are aiming for the warm-up games and hope that he will be able to play in one or two of them.”

Veteran back Frans Steyn is the other. He was involved in the 2007 World Cup in France, which South Africa won by defeating England in the final at the Stade de France, but is likely to miss the Rugby Championship through injury.

“He is seeing a specialist,” said Nienaber. “I think it will be extremely tough for him to feature in the Rugby Championship and he is probably the guy who is the longest off.”