Kolisi a possible No 8 bolter for the Boks in absence of Wiese
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Marco van Staden are both eighthman options for the Boks in the expected absence of Jasper Wiese over the coming games. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi could become an eighthman bolter for the team, if Jasper Wiese receives a stiff ban, as expected, after his red card for foul play over the past weekend against Italy in Gqeberha.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus last week said that he hoped Kolisi would finally make his way back from a number of injury niggles that have kept him out of their opening three games, in time for their clash against Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday.
It is the Boks' final game of the incoming series and last chance for players to get a run ahead of the Rugby Championship which kicks off next month, so a team featuring a slew of inexperienced players, as well as a couple of old heads, is expected to be named on Tuesday afternoon.
If Kolisi is passed fit he will likely start, but whether it will be in his regular No 6 jersey, or at the back of the scrum, where he featured a number of times for the Sharks over the past URC season, remains to be seen.
When asked whether he saw Kolisi as an eighthman option before the season started, Erasmus said that he preferred him at flank, but with Wiese possibly out for a number of Rugby Championship games, it could force the Bok mentor's hand.
At Monday's press conference in Mbombela, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids was quizzed on the possibility of Kolisi featuring at No 8, and he admitted that he is an option, but that they also have a few other players who could slot in.
Versatile options
'We have versatile players in our squad, like Siya, who has played No 6 primarily for us, but also at No 8 for the Sharks,' said Davids.
'We also have guys like Evan Roos and Marco van Staden who have played in that position. There are different players that we can look at that we feel will have the ability to fill that position.
'It will depend on the mix-up of the loose trio and the mix-up of the pack, and that will determine where our selection will go.'
Davids also echoed the sentiments of Erasmus after the Italian match, in backing Wiese, and said that the team would look to support him in whatever capacity they could no matter what the outcome of his DC is.
'For us, it is unfortunate that Jasper got on the wrong side of the law. We are a physical team. We try to do things with as much intent as possible. That is part of our DNA,' explained Davids.
'We support Jasper in whatever decision it will be, and we trust the disciplinary hearing committee's judgment on the issue. We work very hard as a team on staying on the right side of the law. That is why we have Jaco Peyper here to make sure we coach and train within the law.
'There is a good awareness from the players on understanding the risk from a technical point of view to execute what they need to do. World Rugby has laid out the procedure that they will follow and we trust the decision and the approaches.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
eNCA
an hour ago
- eNCA
AC Milan confirm Modric arrival
MILAN - Croatia captain Luka Modric has signed a one-year deal with AC Milan at the age of 39, the Italian club said on Monday. Last week, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri said the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner would head to the San Siro from Real Madrid after the Club World Cup. Modric, who turns 40 in September, joined Madrid from Tottenham in 2012 and had been linked with a move to Italy since early June, after announcing he would leave the Spanish giants at the end of his contract. "AC Milan are delighted to announce Luka Modric has signed a contract with the club until 30 June 2026 with an option for a one-year extension until 30 June 2027," the 19-time Serie A winners said. Modric was in Milan earlier on Monday to undergo medical tests but according to Italian media will only start training with his team-mates in August. "I'm very happy to be here to start a new chapter in my career," Modric said in a video on the club's social media platforms. "A big hug to everyone," he added. Allegri is back at the helm at Milan having led them to the Serie A title in 2011 during his first spell in charge between 2010 and 2014. Their first game of the new season is in the Italian Cup on August 17. jr/fbx/iwd/bsp
The Citizen
6 hours ago
- The Citizen
Kolisi a possible No 8 bolter for the Boks in absence of Wiese
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi is a possible eighthman option for the team, along with a few others, in the expected absence of Jasper Wiese. Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Marco van Staden are both eighthman options for the Boks in the expected absence of Jasper Wiese over the coming games. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images Springbok captain Siya Kolisi could become an eighthman bolter for the team, if Jasper Wiese receives a stiff ban, as expected, after his red card for foul play over the past weekend against Italy in Gqeberha. Bok coach Rassie Erasmus last week said that he hoped Kolisi would finally make his way back from a number of injury niggles that have kept him out of their opening three games, in time for their clash against Georgia in Mbombela on Saturday. It is the Boks' final game of the incoming series and last chance for players to get a run ahead of the Rugby Championship which kicks off next month, so a team featuring a slew of inexperienced players, as well as a couple of old heads, is expected to be named on Tuesday afternoon. If Kolisi is passed fit he will likely start, but whether it will be in his regular No 6 jersey, or at the back of the scrum, where he featured a number of times for the Sharks over the past URC season, remains to be seen. When asked whether he saw Kolisi as an eighthman option before the season started, Erasmus said that he preferred him at flank, but with Wiese possibly out for a number of Rugby Championship games, it could force the Bok mentor's hand. At Monday's press conference in Mbombela, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids was quizzed on the possibility of Kolisi featuring at No 8, and he admitted that he is an option, but that they also have a few other players who could slot in. Versatile options 'We have versatile players in our squad, like Siya, who has played No 6 primarily for us, but also at No 8 for the Sharks,' said Davids. 'We also have guys like Evan Roos and Marco van Staden who have played in that position. There are different players that we can look at that we feel will have the ability to fill that position. 'It will depend on the mix-up of the loose trio and the mix-up of the pack, and that will determine where our selection will go.' Davids also echoed the sentiments of Erasmus after the Italian match, in backing Wiese, and said that the team would look to support him in whatever capacity they could no matter what the outcome of his DC is. 'For us, it is unfortunate that Jasper got on the wrong side of the law. We are a physical team. We try to do things with as much intent as possible. That is part of our DNA,' explained Davids. 'We support Jasper in whatever decision it will be, and we trust the disciplinary hearing committee's judgment on the issue. We work very hard as a team on staying on the right side of the law. That is why we have Jaco Peyper here to make sure we coach and train within the law. 'There is a good awareness from the players on understanding the risk from a technical point of view to execute what they need to do. World Rugby has laid out the procedure that they will follow and we trust the decision and the approaches.'
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Springbok debutants: Who FIRED, who FLOPPED
The Springboks and Rassie Erasmus unleashed FOUR debutants during the Springboks-Italy Test series. Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus rewarded Vincent Tshituka, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Cobus Wiese and Ethan Hooker their respective Bok debuts during the home series against Italy in South Africa. So, who stood up and stood out and who failed to make a good first impression? Vincent Tshituka – 8/10 Tshitshuka made his unofficial debut against the Barbarians in Cape Town before making his Test debut against Italy at Loftus on Saturday, 5 July 2025. The elusive Sharks forward was as good in his official debut, if not, better than he was in the Boks' first match against the Barbarians. Tshituka was a constant threat in open play, showcasing his speed, versatility and off-loading ability. Meanwhile, he was a nuisance for both the Barbarians and Italy at the breakdown. Tshitshuka's talent is matched by his hard work. He is as skilful as he is hard-working. He has certainly put his hand up for selection under Rassie Erasmus going forward. Asenathi Ntlabakanye – 6/10 Ntlanakanye made some heavy carries. Whilst his 140kg+ frame added some heavy mass to an already powerful Springboks scrum, this set piece did not always gain such noticeable power (as it did when Ox Nche came on). Cobus Wiese – 5.5/10 Gave away a penalty for not releasing early on. Furthermore, he also failed to regulalry get over the advantage line. So, while he did not do much wrong, his Bok debut will not cause Rassie and the selection team any selection headaches. Ethan Hooker – 6.5/10 Of the Bok debutants who played against Italy in the second Test, Hooker showed the most promise. He made some good carries and was solid defensively. However, he will need more time to find his feet in the green and gold. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
