Rassie explains why Siya misses first All Blacks Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to leave regular captain Siya Kolisi out of the squad to face the All Blacks in the first Test at Ellis Park on Saturday.

Kolisi left the field with a hamstring injury against Argentina two weeks ago, but according to Springbok management this week, he was training well.

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Erasmus confirmed as much, but gave his reasons for leaving Kolisi out of the squad.

“Siya trained well with us this week, and although we could have selected him for this clash, we thought it would be best to select Paul (de Villiers) for this weekend’s game,” Erasmus said.

“We are playing four Tests against the All Blacks and Paul has been playing well, so we are excited to give him a chance this weekend in what will be his first Test match against New Zealand, while taking a precautionary approach to Siya’s return.

“We have a solid group of players, and each one of them deserves their places in the squad, so we will approach team selection week by week.”

Saturday’s match kicks off at 17:10.

Springbok team to face the All Blacks

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.

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All Blacks Greatest Rivalry paul de villiers Rassie Erasmus Siya Kolisi Springboks