Boost for Boks as they depart for NZ test

THE Springboks will be at full strength for their two-match trip to New Zealand, with Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Willie le Roux medically cleared.

- MIKE GREENAWAY

Kolisi has recovered faster than expected from a knee knock that ruled him out of last week’s second Test against the Wallabies, while flank Du Toit has been passed fit after a concussion.

The Boks depart for New Zealand today, giving them time to recover from jet lag before facing the All Blacks in Auckland on 6 September and in Wellington a week later. The matches will be pivotal as the team seeks to defend the Rugby Championship title they won last season for the first time since 2019.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has stuck largely with the squad that faced Australia. A total of 36 of the 38 players from last week’s group have been retained, with Makazole Mapimpi added following injuries to Kurt-Lee Arendse and Edwill van der Merwe. The only forward to miss out is utility man Cobus Wiese, who has been placed on standby.

The squad features 20 forwards and 16 backs. No 8 Jasper Wiese is still serving a suspension and will only be eligible for selection for the Wellington Test.