Springboks - including injured Kolisi, Etzebeth - ramp up World Cup prep with Durban camp

A group of 15 players, including the injured duo of captain Siya Kolisi and star lock Eben Etzebeth, were present as the first of two Springbok camps this month got underway in Durban on Wednesday.

The camp will conclude on Friday before a second preparation camp - which will feature players from the Stormers players preparing to face Munster in the United Rugby Championship Grand Final in Cape Town next weekend - will run from Monday 29 to Wednesday 31 May. 

The camp also includes Japanese-based players Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit and fullback Willie le Roux.

Kolisi is in a race against time to be fit for the 2023 World Cup after a knee injury he sustained in the URC last month. The national captain also underwent surgery late last month, but is conducting his rehab in camp while he is also playing an active role in team meetings. 

WATCH | Upbeat Kolisi steps up a gear on 'day 17' of recovery

The rest of the Boks will have a further two field training sessions on Thursday and one on Friday before returning home. 

"It was fantastic to see how excited the players and members of team management were to return to the national set-up when we arrived in Durban," said Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber. 

"This is a massive season for us and judging by the players' enthusiasm to get back to the training field, we are excited about the journey ahead as we prepare for the Rugby Championship, our Rugby World Cup warm-up matches and the international showpiece in France. 

"With these players having completed their franchise and club commitments, they can now turn their attention fully to the international season.

"We have a small group of players at this camp, but this affords us the luxury of giving them special attention. As we said