After missing the recent clash through injury, Kolisi is back in the mix and ready to lead South Africa in Cape Town.
Cape Town, South Africa (26 August 2026) – The Springboks are getting their captain back just in time for another chapter of rugby’s greatest rivalry.
Siya Kolisi has been given the green light to return from his hamstring injury and will captain the Boks when they face New Zealand at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.
It is a welcome boost for Rassie Erasmus and his side, who will be looking to bounce back after last weekend’s narrow defeat in Johannesburg.
Kolisi picked up the injury against Argentina three weeks ago and has been carefully managed since. Erasmus says the 35-year-old has now completed full-intensity running without any discomfort, clearing the way for his return.
And there was another important decision to make.
Pieter-Steph du Toit was initially named captain for Saturday’s Test, which will also mark his 100th appearance for the Springboks. But Erasmus felt giving the captaincy back to Kolisi would allow Du Toit to focus on enjoying the milestone and doing what he does best on the field. Du Toit will line up alongside Kolisi and Jasper Wiese in the loose trio, while Paul de Villiers drops out of the matchday squad.
View this post on Instagram
You Don’t Have to Be Fit to Start: Chillie Runners Opens the Door to Everyone
Team South Africa Prepares for World Waveski Surfing ChampionshipsThe Boks will arrive in Cape Town with plenty to prove after their Johannesburg defeat. Erasmus believes the performance contained plenty of positives, with South Africa dominating for large periods before accuracy began to let them down.
The coach has also taken responsibility for some of the decisions that didn’t quite go according to plan. Now, there is little time for dwelling.
South Africa trail the series, so Saturday is a must-win if they want to keep their hopes of claiming the series alive. Another defeat would mean the best they could achieve is a drawn series.
But there is also something rather comforting about having Kolisi back at the front of the pack.
With the captain returning, a 100-Test milestone waiting to be celebrated and the All Blacks coming to town, Cape Town is set for another blockbuster chapter in rugby’s greatest rivalry.
by 
