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Siya Kolisi a doubt for Springboks' first Test against New Zealand

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi remains a doubt for the first Test against New Zealand after a hamstring injury, but coach Rassie Erasmus is hopeful he will feature.

  • Kolisi sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Argentina and has returned to training.
  • Erasmus delayed naming the team until Thursday to limit the All Blacks' preparation time.
  • Prop Ox Nche is also a doubt but Erasmus described both as 'niggles'.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi remains a doubt for the first Test against New Zealand, though Rassie Erasmus is hopeful the Springboks skipper will be able to feature.

Kolisi sustained a hamstring injury in the win over Argentina, having already missed his side's Nations Championship fixtures in July, but has returned to training in recent days. The flanker could come under consideration for selection, with Erasmus delaying the naming of his team until Thursday to deny the All Blacks the chance to prepare.

Erasmus believes both Kolisi and prop Ox Nche may play a role at Ellis Park. "I wouldn't say Siya and Ox are still injured, it's just niggles," he said. "And if they get through training today, they might be good for us."

The All Blacks have won all three tour games since arriving in South Africa but have injury doubts of their own, with scrum-half Noah Hotham called up as cover for Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima.

Why this matters: The first Test is part of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour, with four Tests between two Southern Hemisphere heavyweights.

What this means for you: Fans will know by Thursday whether Kolisi and Nche are fit for the first Test at Ellis Park.

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