Kolbe cured: More good news for Springboks

Springboks wing Cheslin Kolbe has been fast-tracked into Toulon’s starting lineup after regaining full fitness following an injury scare.

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Kolbe suffered a sprained ankle during Toulon’s win over Lyon in March. The speedster appeared to be in severe discomfort as his ankle was tightly strapped before he was taken off the field on a medical golf cart with tears streaming down his face.

Despite the initial fears that the injury could impact his participation in the Springboks’ Rugby Championship and World Cup campaigns, it was confirmed that the freak injury suffered by Kolbe was not as bad as first feared and that he would be back within a month.

ALSO READ: Frustrated Springbok Wing Cheslin Kolbe Opens up on Injury

CHESLIN KOLBE RETURNS TO ACTION

Well, a month has now passed and Kolbe is indeed back.

The 29-year-old has been named at fullback in the Toulon lineup to take on Italian team Treviso in their Challenge Cup semi-final at Stade Felix Mayol.

He is joined in the matchday 23 by SA-born Scotland international Cornell du Preez, who is in line to make an impact as an openside flanker.

ALSO READ: Springbok star Cheslin Kolbe once again linked with Japan move

RUGBY GODS SHINING DOWN ON THE SPRINGBOKS

News of Kolbe’s imminent return to action comes shortly after the good news that both Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi could well be fit and ready for the Springboks’ World Cup campaign.

Etzebeth was hurt in the Sharks’ Champions Cup last-16 win against Munster in Durban and was given an initial estimate of between 14-16 weeks on the sidelines.

However, speaking to the Sunday newspaper Rapport, SA Rugby’s 2022 Player of the Year gave a more positive update on his recovery. The lock said he will recover from his shoulder injury in time to be available for selection in the Rugby Championship opener between the Springboks and Australia in Pretoria on Saturday, 8 July.

ALSO READ: Eben Etzebeth gives Springboks boost with an injury update

It has been confirmed that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi underwent knee surgery on Friday which could boost his shot at making South Africa’s World Cup squad.

The Springbok and Sharks captain hurt his right knee in the opening 10 minutes of thei clash between the Durbanites and Munster in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship last week.

Reports suggest that Siya Kolisi suffered an apparent partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) as well as injuring his meniscus on both sides of the injured knee.

Kolisi reportedly had three opinions on how to deal with the injured knee, before opting to undergo the operation with a view to ensure he has the best chance of making it to the World Cup in France in September.

ALSO READ: Siya Kolisi goes under the knife — What does that mean for his RWC chances?