Bok skipper Kolisi just weeks away from full fitness
Western Province coach John Dobson revealed that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is back in full training and nearing recovery.
Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi looks well on track to regain full fitness in time for the Rugby World Cup.
The 28-year-old was ruled out of the ongoing Rugby Championship after picking up a knee injury that saw him miss the latter part of the Stormers Super Rugby campaign.
Having famously taken up waterboy duties in the Boks’ Test against Australia in Johannesburg, Kolisi is now close to returning to the thick of things after returning to full training with the Western Province Currie Cup team.
Kolisi back in the thick of things
Coach John Dobson gave his assessment of the national Kolisi in the week, revealing that he could be just weeks away from a return.
“He’s trained full out and has taken contact,” WP coach John Dobson said on Thursday.
“We were medically told that he couldn’t play
.”I think if we didn’t have a bye next week, he would definitely play. He’s been fully part of it and has been tremendous. He’s incredible.”
John Dobson
Just as Kolisi’s presence around an inexperienced Bok team proved to be a boon to his teammates as they defeated the Wallabies at Ellis Park, Dobson noted the same in how his WP charges have responded to having him around.
“He brings a lot to the team on and off the field,” said Dobson.
“Rassie was teasing me earlier about me saying he is our talisman in some ways, but he is. He epitomises how we want to to play here, I guess.”
John Dobson
Meanwhile, Province have some not-so-positive news on the injury front, with flyhalf Jean-Luc du Plessis could be set for a prolonged lay-off after picking up an injury in their last outing.
The player has been left out of the team to play the Lions after not taking part in any training during the week.
“JL has had issues with his hips, and it’s a load thing,” Dobson said on Thursday. “He probably needs a little bit of a break for his load, and he had a tough afternoon last week.
“He hasn’t trained either, so it’s not a question of him being dropped … we’re literally trying to manage his loads.”
John Dobson