Siya Kolisi isn't worried about entirely uncapped Bok department

Siya Kolisi dismissed concerns around the Springboks naming a completely uncapped front row for their final Castle Lager Incoming Series match against Georgia.

The South Africa captain, who returns to action this weekend at Mbombela Stadium after a spell out injured, dismissed concerns that the new-look trio of Boan Venter, Neethling Fouché and Marnus van der Merwe might be undercooked heading into a full-blooded Test against a team that treats the scrum like a matter of national identity.

Venter will officially turn his back on pursuing a Test career with Scotland. The Edinburgh prop had previously stated his desire to qualify via residency, with eligibility due in 2026. Once capped by the Boks, Venter will be ineligible for Scotland, echoing Jean Kleyn’s return to South Africa ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Kolisi, who made his own debut at the same Nelspruit venue back in 2013, was bullish about the rookies and the collective responsibility of the pack: “I’m very proud of the guys earning their first Test caps, and as a group, we feel there is enough experience in the team for them to know we have their backs.”

“They’ve been training against the likes of Ox [Nche], Wilco [Louw], and Malcolm [Marx], among others, and the players around them have played Test rugby before. Over and above that, a scrum is not only about the front row – it involves everyone in the pack doing their bit, and everyone in the team knows what they have to do.”

Georgia present an intriguing challenge. The Lelos have made a habit of turning set-piece encounters into trench warfare, and Bok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick wasn’t naïve about what’s coming.

“Georgia are a physical team, and they pride themselves on their set pieces, so we know having to match that will be the toughest part for us,” said Stick. “I’ve been to Georgia, and I’ve seen how tough their players are.”

Still, this Bok side will arrive in Mbombela buoyed by a 45-0 thumping of Italy in Gqeberha and with Kolisi beaming at the chance to return to the field in front of another raucous South African crowd.

“The vibe at the stadium is amazing, and we know that it will be similar to last week in Gqeberha, where the crowd really got involved and inspired us,” said the flanker. “We are very grateful to the people coming to the stadium. They definitely lift us.”

Kolisi admitted missing the last three games through injury had been frustrating, but simply being back in camp was a lift in itself. “Just being in the camp and seeing all the guys again has been good for me,” he said. “The environment in the team helps a lot both on and off the field.”

The Springbok captain also had words of support for the Junior Boks, who face New Zealand in the World Rugby U20 Championship final on Saturday.

“They are definitely setting a standard,” said Kolisi. “It’s great to see how they are taking their opportunities. Everyone in the squad is doing what is expected of them, so we wish them well and we’ll be watching and supporting them.”

Stick added: “They are certainly making the country proud. What really stands out for me is their fighting spirit and the cohesion in the team. We’ll definitely watch tomorrow, and we support them all the way.”