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According to a report published on Monday, South Africa captain Siya Kolisi is uncertain to lead his country’s Rugby World Cup defence due to a knee injury.
On Saturday, Kolisi suffered a partial rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for his Durban-based Sharks against Ireland’s Munster, according to the Independent Newspapers group of South Africa.
According to Independent Newspapers, Kolisi has seen two specialists, with one recommending surgery. Tuesday, according to the report, Kolisi will consult a third specialist.
The Sharks have not published a prognosis for Kolisi’s injury, but they have said he is consulting with physicians.
In the opening minutes of the Sharks’ 22-22 tie with Munster in the United Rugby Championship, Kolisi was injured. He attempted to continue playing, but after eight minutes he was replaced.
Independent Newspapers reported that if Kolisi undergoes surgery, the recuperation period is typically nine months, ruling the flanker out of the Springboks’ title defence in France. The World Cup begins on September 8th.
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Kolisi could choose rehabilitation over surgery, but that would still keep him out of action for at least four months, and in the best-case scenario, he would return to action only a few weeks before the World Cup, according to the report.
South Africa won the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan under the leadership of Kolisi, tying New Zealand’s record of three titles. The 31-year-old loose forward is anticipated to join French club Racing 92 following the conclusion of this World Cup.
In July, South Africa plays Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina in a condensed southern hemisphere Rugby Championship before the World Cup.
The Springboks will kick off the Rugby World Cup on September 10 against Scotland and will also face top-ranked Ireland, Romania, and Tonga in Pool B.
