Rugby-Springboks suffer injury blows ahead of second test against Australia

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa v Australia - Ellis Park, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 16, 2025 South Africa players look dejected after the match REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) -As if the pain of a first defeat to Australia at Ellis Park in 62 years was not enough, South Africa face a heavy injury toll from the 38-22 defeat in Saturday’s Rugby Championship opener, with captain Siya Kolisi sidelined for an extended period.

Kolisi suffered a knee injury as Australia rallied from 22 points down in a stunning second-half display and is out of the second test in Cape Town on Saturday and likely the two-match tour to New Zealand that follows.