Johannesburg (AFP)
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi, who tested positive for Covid-19 ten days ago, is still uncertain five days before the match against the British and Irish Lions, South African management explained on Monday.
"By tonight (Monday) we'll find out who can play," Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said at an online press conference.
Specialists are to examine the 14 South African players diagnosed positive for Covid-19 during the second week of July, in addition to coach Jacques Nienaber and other members of the management.
The composition of the South African squad set to face the Lions on Saturday is to be announced on Wednesday.
A hotbed of contamination had prompted the cancellation of the second match that the Springboks were to play in early July against Georgia to prepare to face the British and Irish Lions on three occasions, on July 24 and 31 and August 7.
"Emotionally, physically, we are ready," commented opening half Handré Pollard, who was also among the infected players, along with second-row Marvin Orie, center Frans Steyn, and pillar Frans Malherbe.
Pollard, a Montpellier player, is vice-captain of the Springboks, for whom he scored 22 points in the final of the last World Cup won against England.
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