No Kolisi in 26-man Bok squad named for RWC warm-up match away to Argentina

While the signs remain good that Siya Kolisi will be fit to lead the Springboks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, the inspirational flanker was not part of the 26-man squad named to play Argentina away next weekend. 

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Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named several players that did not feature against the Pumas at Ellis Park on Saturday, a match South Africa narrowly won 22-21.  

Nienaber and his Springbok coaching staff have emphasised the importance of giving as many players as possible sufficient game time as they look to name the 33 players that will travel to France to defend the William Webb Ellis trophy.  

The players in the travelling contingent who were involved in the team’s victory against the Pumas on Saturday are Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane (all props), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Marvin Orie (lock), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am (both centres) and Damian Willemse (utility back).

With Willemse fully fit and Handre Pollard well on the mend, Elton Jantjies has been released from the squad.

“Next week’s match is the last opportunity for the players to make a strong statement for selection before we name our Rugby World Cup squad, and we are excited to see what those players will deliver in what is going to be a testing encounter in Buenos Aires,” said Nienaber. 

“It’s extremely tough to play there, and Argentina enjoys massive support from their vocal home crowd, so it’s not only going to be a physical test for the players, but a mental one as well.

“Many of these players have received some game time in the last few weeks, while a few could get their first run, such as Jean-Luc