The Springboks could be on the verge of a disastrous update regarding the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi after he injured his knee over the weekend.
Sharks flanker Kolisi came off in the sixth minute of the United Rugby Championship clash with Munster, which ended in a draw in Durban on Saturday.
The sight of the inspirational skipper being transported around the field by a buggy was eased somewhat by Kolisi then walking and waving to the fans.
World Cup participation in serious doubt
However, there was a noticeable limp from the flank and it’s now been reported by IOL that his participation in the Rugby World Cup is in serious doubt.
According to the website, Kolisi suffered “an apparent partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL)” in that URC fixture against the Irish province.
IOL Sport have added that compounding the problem is the 2019 World Cup winner “apparently injured his meniscus on both sides of the injured knee”.
They also report that a close source with knowledge of the injury told them that the 31-year-old has met with two specialists who recommend knee surgery.
Bleak news.
IOL report that Siya Kolisi will be sidelined for nine months if he undergoes the recommended surgery.
If not, maybe 4 months.
He has apparently injured his meniscus on both sides of his knee. pic.twitter.com/j9Egd2i8f0
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) April 24, 2023
Should Kolisi require an operation, that could rule him out of action for up to nine months, meaning he would miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
However, avoiding surgery on the injured meniscus would likely put him out of action for four months, which is still a concern ahead of the tournament.
Has played his final game for the Sharks
The 22-22 draw with Munster ultimately turned out to be Kolisi final game for the Sharks as he will ply his trade at Top 14 outfit Racing 92 next season.
South Africa will be hoping for much better news regarding the injury as not having their skipper for their Webb Ellis title defence would be catastrophic.
The Boks are in the same pool as Ireland, Scotland, Tonga and Romania and begin their World Cup title charge against Gregor Townsend’s in-form side.
#RWC2023 Pool B
🇿🇦 @Springboks
☘️ @IrelandRugby
🏴 @ScotlandTeam
🇹🇴 @officialTongaRU
🇷🇴 @RugbyRomaniaWho do you think makes the quarter-finals? pic.twitter.com/FBUQMEzgDo
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) November 21, 2022
Before that they have the Rugby Championship which kicks off in July before warm-up matches against Argentina, Wales and New Zealand during August.
READ MORE: Eben Etzebeth: Springbok lock confident of being fit for start of Rugby Championship
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