There are no injury concerns in the Springbok camp as the team prepares for the match against Georgia in Mbombela. This bodes well for Siya Kolisi, who is likely to captain the South African team in the Castle Lager Incoming Tour game at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, July 19.

“All the players in the squad are available for selection. Siya is certainly part of the discussions in selecting the match-day team. The team will be announced tomorrow,” said Deon Davids, the Bok assistant coach, at a media conference at the Southern Sun Emnotweni in Mbombela on Monday.

Kolisi was selected for the recent match against the Barbarians, but withdrew due to an injury niggle. The Springbok medical staff opted to allow the captain time to fully recover and he was not available for selection for the two tests against Italy.

In 2013, Mbombela Stadium played a vital role in Kolisi’s journey to Springbok greatness. It was an event witnessed by about 31 000 people in the capital city of Mpumalanga that winter’s day.

The Springboks were playing Scotland and Kolisi was named on the Bok bench. Seven minutes into the match he achieved his childhood dream. Arno Botha was injured and the then-less bulky loose-forward came on to the field to became Springbok number 851.

Kolisi ran onto the field wearing the number 20 Springbok jersey, to rapturous applause from the packed stadium. He played a blinder of a match, which was initially dominated by Scotland, with South Africa making a late surge to win 30-17.

Kolisi was the man of the match.

The Springboks arrived in Mbombela on Sunday, July 13 from Gqeberha where they defeated Italy 45-0, and immediately got back into action for Saturday’s match at Mbombela Stadium with video sessions on Monday morning, followed by a gym and field training session in the afternoon.

The Springboks have defeated Georgia in the two matches the two countries have played. The first in Sydney during the 2003 Rugby World Cup (SA 40 – Georgia 16), and then in Pretoria in 2021 (SA 40 – Georgia 9), with the latter being played in an empty stadium due to Covid-19 restrictions. South Africa is ranked number one in the world and Georgia 11th.

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“As the Springboks, we see every game as important, we want to win every test. We never underestimate our opponents. We understand the DNA of Georgia. They are a team that bring a lot of physicality. We expect a very tough game. We will continue to set our own standards and want to improve with every game,” said Davids.

The Boks also did a thorough analysis of Georgia, that went down 24-20 against the Toyota Cheetahs in a warm-up game last Friday, and said they knew what they would be up against.

The Springboks enjoy playing in Mbombela and experiencing the green and gold vibe the Lowveld community creates.

“Mbombela Stadium is one of my favourite venues to play at. Last year I had the privilege to play for the Boks against Argentina here. The atmosphere was unbelievable. The way the people backed the Boks was special. We enjoy every moment in Mbombela. We want to embrace the [Lowveld] atmosphere and enjoy the honour of playing for the Springboks. Thank you for getting behind us,” said lock, Ruan Nortje.

Kick-off at Mbombela Stadium is at 17:10 on Saturday. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.co.za