Doubts over Kolisi's involvement despite the Boks being at full complement

Jacques Nienaber had his full complement of players back in Springbok camp on Monday but there are still concerns over the availability of captain Siya Kolisi.

Captain Kolisi, prop Ox Nché and speedster Makazole Mapimpi re-joined the squad in Cape Town on Monday following their mandatory COVID-19 self-isolation. However, the trio will have to undergo medical screening before being cleared to begin their return to play protocols.

They joined several other players who also reported for duty in Cape Town in the last few days after spending time in mandatory self-isolation, including flyhalf Handre Pollard, loose forward Dan du Preez, hookers Bongi Mbonambi and Scarra Ntubeni, utility back Frans Steyn, lock Lood de Jager and tighthead prop Frans Malherbe.

Despite the disruptions, Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the team would be ready for the opening Test of the Lions Series as the historic tour reaches the business end.

“We are playing against the British & Irish Lions and we are representing our country, so we will be ready,” said Pollard, who did not show any COVID-19 symptoms, adding that he was ready to get back on the field and give his all.

“Personally, I’m feeling good. I was lucky not to have symptoms, so it was about getting through the 10 days.

“Walking into the team room (in the last few days), the vibe is good and there is some tension, so the preparation and the talking is done, it’s time to get into the matches,” added the Rugby World Cup winning flyhalf.

Commenting on the opposition, Pollard said: “The British & Irish Lions have good players all over the park. We analysed them as well as we could and we know how good they are, and what’s to come. It will be about winning those personal battles for 80 minutes.”

Stick was delighted to have a bunch of experienced players back in contention for selection for the opening Test and said: “We have the entire group back in camp. The last players arrived today (Monday), and being a Test week, things will go back to 100 percent.

“It probably worked out for us because we have a full squad for this week.

“We now have to focus on what we do best, and we have a few experienced guys back like Handré, Siya and Eben (Etzebeth), and the vibe is positive and energy levels up, so we are looking forward to the match.”

Stick was not concerned about the fitness levels of some of the players following their recovery from COVID-19 and said: “We had a tough three-week conditioning camp in Bloemfontein before travelling to Johannesburg and Cape Town.

“And over and above that I don’t think one gets unfit within in a week, so we need to focus on the positive things this week.”

Kolisi and a few other teammates still need to clear lung and heart tests related to virus return-to-play protocols. Stick hinted that there might not be enough time for them to be ready for selection in Saturday's first Test against the British & Irish Lions.

"They must still go and see the specialist. Anything can happen with those results. I don't want to start talking about medical terms, but we're hoping some of them can return to training. Some positive news would be good," said Stick.