“Kolisi’s Injury Doubts Cast Shadow Over Springboks’ Victory Against All Blacks”
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi was expected to miss the Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.
The world champions secured a narrow 31-27 victory over Scott Robertson’s team in their Rugby Championship Round Three match at Ellis Park. However, the win came at a cost. Kolisi, who attended the post-match press conference, had a severely swollen right side of his face.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus speculated that Kolisi might have a cheekbone fracture, although he noted that a doctor would need to confirm this. Erasmus remarked that Kolisi’s condition looked like a fracture and observed that he didn’t normally appear that way.
If Kolisi’s cheekbone is indeed fractured, he will be unavailable for next weekend’s game at Cape Town Stadium. He was replaced by Kwagga Smith after 60 minutes on the field. 
Wing Kurt-Lee Arendse also suffered a significant injury, leaving the field due to a concussion.
Despite these setbacks, the Springboks’ victory was their third consecutive win in the Rugby Championship, giving them an eight-point lead over the All Blacks. In other Round Three action, Argentina lost to Australia in La Plata.