Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi Could Miss 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Wife Rachel Responds

• The South African rugby fraternity has been plunged into concern and panic
• Springbok captain Siya Kolisi could miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France
• Kolisi injured his knee in a United Rugby Championship encounter on Saturday

Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi could miss the 2023 Rugby World Cup - and South Africa's title defence - in France.

Kolisi injured his knee during the Cell C Sharks' 22-22 draw with Irish team, Munster in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship match last Saturday.

He fell awkwardly during a phase of play while setting up a try, as his leg jarred into the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium turf.

The flanker is believed to have suffered a partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), forcing him to retire early in the first half in Durban.

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According to SuperSport, a South African Rugby Union insider told AFP the 31-year-old World Cup-winning skipper had seen specialists and was set to meet another on Tuesday.

This source reportedly said:

"Should surgery be recommended and Siya agrees, he will almost certainly not be able to play again this year. The alternate is to let the injury heal and that could take about four months - meaning he would be out of action until September."

That would rule him out of Rugby Championship matches against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina. The tournament has been reduced to a single round this year because of the World Cup.

It would also prevent Kolisi from facing Argentina, Wales, and the All Blacks in warm-up matches before the 20-nation global showpiece kicks off in Paris on September 8.

The Springboks begin their World Cup defence against Scotland in Marseille on September 10 and also face Ireland, Romania, and Tonga in Pool B.

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The game against Munster was the last home match in Sharks' colours for Kolisi, who is scheduled to join French Top 14 club, Racing 92 after the tournament.

Fly-half, Handre Pollard is the Springboks' vice-captain while centre, Lukhanyo Am might also be considered as a replacement for Kolisi.

Kolisi's wife remains positive

Meanwhile, an Instagram message by Kolisi's wife on Monday asked friends and followers to pray with her family.

However, she did not mention the knee injury her husband had suffered.

"Hey friends! Believing for a miracle. Would really appreciate if you could take a minute out your day to pray with us! I’ve seen God do it before and believe he will do it again," part of her post read.

SA teams reach URC quarter-finals

Despite the bad news surrounding Kolisi, elsewhere, the news was brighter as three South African sides remain in the hunt to win the United Rugby Championship title.

As reported by Sports Brief, the Sharks, the Vodacom Bulls, and defending champions, the Stormers made the knockouts but face stiff competition going forward.