Kolisi ruptured the ACL in his right knee on April 22 – it is extraordinary that the back-rower is back in action
As South Africa know so well as reigning champions, timing is tantamount in World Cup year. And, emboldened by the return of their captain, Siya Kolisi, the Springboks appear to be gathering momentum in an ominous manner. They know how to navigate these tournaments.
After a lay-off of almost four months, it needed only three minutes for flanker Kolisi to reinforce his excellence and outline his value. Having migrated to the wide channels as the visitors retained possession inside the opposition 22 and pummelled Wales, he popped up on the left shoulder of Willie le Roux.
Kolisi gathered a short pass and waded through two red shirts before stretching to lift a delicate, right-handed offload. Malcolm Marx could saunter across the try-line. South Africa went 5-0 ahead, and were underway.
A dominant 52-16 victory for the Springboks was entirely predictable given the strength of the side selected by Jacques Nienaber and the green look to Warren Gatland’s line-up.