close
close

Springboks vs All Blacks: How Siya Kolisi was injured by Sam Cane's tackle: Planet Rugby

Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is expected to miss the second game against the All Blacks after suffering a facial injury in the 31-27 win at Ellis Park.

Kolisi had to leave the field in the last quarter of the game but decided to continue playing despite having sustained an injury 10 minutes earlier.

Kolisi's cops shoot high

In the 48th minute of the clash at Ellis Park, the Springboks executed an attacking lineout just outside the All Blacks' 22-yard line and at that point South Africa were trailing 14-22.

The Boks failed to secure the ball at the lineout as the synchronisation between Pieter-Steph du Toit and Malcolm Marx was off and the latter's throw went over the outstretched arms of his teammate.

Kolisi, who was not taking part in the lineout, darted forward and secured possession. He was quickly grabbed by All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor, who tackled the flanker around the waist. However, Sam Cane came in to assist Taylor in the tackle and collided with the South Africa captain while delivering a high tackle to Kolisi's face.

Referee Andrew Brace awarded the Springboks a penalty advantage as Taylor went down after being tackled on the wrong side of the scrum before another penalty stopped play shortly afterwards.

Springboks: Siya Kolisi doubtful for second All Blacks test after serious injury

At this point, New Zealand received a booking for the number of penalties they had conceded. Kolisi was receiving treatment at the time as the shot had caused him to bleed, but went towards Brace to alert the referee to the tackle.

Brace replied: “If it is clear, then [TMO, Brian MacNeice] will come in.”

TMO MacNeice eventually came in to point out the tackle with Brace and he felt that further review by the man in the middle was not necessary.

The Springboks opted for a shot on goal, which Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu converted to bring the Springboks within five points of New Zealand.

Siya Kolisi: Springboks captain’s return to South Africa saved from ‘brink of collapse’ – report

Sam Cane hit

The incident did not go unnoticed by online viewers, especially because Kolisi's face was so swollen after the game. Rassie Erasmus explained that while he is not a doctor, he believes it is a fracture, but that further examination is required.

“Sam Cane could use some hip mobility work… because those hips ARE NOT MOBILE,” wrote @AnalystGus in response to a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Another reaction to the incident was: “49th minute: Sam Cane clearly hits Siya Kolisi with a high tackle. Kolisi falls to the ground and receives medical attention. He broke his cheekbone. Why wasn't this even investigated?”

Former English connector Andy Goode also spoke out sharply against the TMO.

“Was there a TMO in the SA v NZ game? Missed the knock on Bongi Mbonambi when he 'scored' and a possible red card for Sam Cane's head-up hit on Siya Kolisi, he must have been in the toilet,” he wrote.

One fan added: “Another case of NZ not being penalised when they needed to be. Sam Cane went too high again (straight shoulder to face). This caused Kolisi to suffer a broken cheekbone. Definitely should have been a card.”

READ MORE: Springboks file complaint with World Rugby over 'bizarre' scrum after 'ideally timed' Wallabies injury

You may also like...