2023-08-15 19:20:36
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi returns to the world champions’ XV to face Wales on Saturday, nearly four months after a serious knee injury and three weeks before the start of the World Cup.
Operated at the end of April for a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee and also affected in the meniscus, Kolisi, 31, who will wear the colors of Racing 92 this season, was launched in a race against the clock to recover before the Springboks do not put their planetary crown in play.
The South Africans will face Wales on Saturday in Cardiff (4:15 p.m.) for their second preparation match for the World Cup organized in France (September 8-October 28).
Scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse also returns to the starting XV, recovered from a shoulder injury and back after leaving the squad following the death of his father.
The two men had missed the first four games of the summer against New Zealand and Australia in the Rugby Championship and against Argentina twice – in the Rugby Championship and then in a friendly match.
Coach Jacques Nienaber has made eleven changes to the side that outscored Argentina (24-13) in Buenos Aires two weeks ago.
Against the Welsh, Kolisi will be partnered with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in the third line, ahead of the final warm-up match against the All Blacks on August 25 at Twickenham.
The reigning world champions will launch their World Cup against Scotland on September 10, in a group B which also includes Ireland, Tonga and Romania.
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