Am hopes Kolisi makes World Cup

Springbok centre Lukhanyo Am says it would come as a huge blow to the team if inspirational captain Siya Kolisi does not win his race to be fully fit for the Rugby World Cup in France.

Kolisi had an operation on his injured knee in early May and continues to make progress in his rehabilitation programme as he races against time to be on the aeroplane to France later in the year.

Kolisi attended the Springboks’ three-day training camp in Durban this month where coach Jacques Nienaber and his technical team continued their preparations for the Rugby Championship.

The Boks kick off that tournament against Australia at Loftus Versfeld on July 8, while the 2023 World Cup starts on September 8.

“It will be a huge blow to the team because Siya is an experienced player and captain who did it in 2019 by winning the World Cup,” Am said.

“We definitely need his experience going into this World Cup in France and we are hoping for the best for him, that he recovers in time and we have him at this World Cup.”

While there is doubt about Kolisi’s fitness, Am has fully recovered from a knee injury, though he says it is a process getting back to full match sharpness and form.

“Long-term injuries are tough,” Am said.

“I am not where I was before the injury. It’s an ongoing process. What I am working on now is to get match and strength fitness back.