Rassie Erasmus says the problem first put down to cramps is now “more than cramps”.
Cheslin Kolbe will miss South Africa’s second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday with a hamstring and ankle injury. Head coach Rassie Erasmus described the wing as “amber” at the team announcement and said the problem, first reported as cramps at Ellis Park, was now “more than cramps”.
Kolbe’s injury explained
Kolbe picked up the niggle during the 33-16 first-Test defeat at Ellis Park on Saturday 22 August, limping out of the game in the second half.
Erasmus said it was no longer just the hamstring. “It’s not even the hamstring anymore, it’s a little bit of the ankle as well,” he said. He left the door only slightly ajar on a late change: “If he really recovers well, we might make a change there, but at this stage I don’t think it will be.”
That is why South Africa named the team without him.
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Who replaces Kolbe
Ethan Hooker comes onto the wing in Kolbe’s place. Kurt-Lee Arendse switches from the left to the right to fit the change. Scrum-half Grant Williams also drops out injured, with Cobus Reinach taking the No 9 shirt.
With two separate problems now involved, Kolbe’s availability for the rest of the series is unclear. Erasmus gave no return date.
South Africa play New Zealand at DHL Stadium on Saturday 29 August, kick-off 17h10 SAST, before a third Test in Johannesburg and a fourth in the United States.
Cheslin Kolbe injury: your questions answered
What is Cheslin Kolbe’s injury?
Rassie Erasmus said Kolbe is carrying a hamstring problem that has spread to his ankle. It was first reported as cramps during the first Test at Ellis Park, but Erasmus said at the team announcement that it was “more than cramps” and rated the wing “amber”.
Is Cheslin Kolbe out of the second Test?
Yes. Kolbe was left out of the Springboks side for the second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday 29 August. Erasmus said a late change was unlikely, so Ethan Hooker comes in on the wing with Kurt-Lee Arendse switching sides.
How long is Cheslin Kolbe out for?
Erasmus gave no return date. With both a hamstring and an ankle issue involved, Kolbe’s availability for the rest of the four-Test series is unclear, and the Springboks have not put a timeline on his recovery.
