Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, has opened up about his fears over his World Cup participation following a knee injury sustained in April. The 32-year-old loose-forward had to leave the field during the Sharks’ final home United Rugby Championship game against Munster. For the next two weeks, his team and SA Rugby remained quiet about the extent of his injury, causing Kolisi to experience heightened unease.
However, in a recent interview, Kolisi revealed the emotional rollercoaster he faced during the uncertain period. The South African captain told reporters that he was very scared and had his heart in his mouth when he first felt the injury. The possibility of jeopardizing his World Cup participation was a constant concern he couldn’t shake.
Thankfully, Kolisi’s fears proved unfounded. After two weeks of worry, the Sharks and SA Rugby confirmed that the injury was not as severe as initially thought. While he did miss a few games, Kolisi has since made a full recovery and has been back in the game for some time now.
Kolisi’s injury scare highlights the importance of timely communication between rugby teams and their fans. The heightened anxiety and stress he and his supporters experienced could have been minimized with regular updates on the status of his injury. However, the Springbok captain’s resilience and determination to overcome his challenges showcase the true spirit of rugby.
Looking ahead, Kolisi is likely to be a formidable opponent for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour. His presence on the pitch will be crucial in attaining victory, especially since South Africa will be defending their Rugby World Cup title in two years.
