South Africa captain Siya Kolisi remains uncertain for the upcoming first Test against New Zealand, although head coach Rassie Erasmus expresses hope for the Springboks skipper's participation.

Kolisi suffered a hamstring injury during the victory over Argentina and had previously missed his team’s Nations Championship fixtures in July. Recently, he returned to training, raising the possibility of his selection.

Erasmus has postponed the team announcement, typically made earlier in the week, until Thursday to limit the All Blacks' preparation time. The two Southern Hemisphere giants will clash in Johannesburg this weekend, marking the first of four Tests in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. Erasmus indicated that both Kolisi and prop Ox Nche might play a role at Ellis Park.

“I wouldn’t say Siya and Ox are still injured, it’s just niggles,” Erasmus stated. “And if they get through training today, they might be good for us.”

In contrast, the All Blacks have secured victories in all three of their tour matches but face their own injury concerns, with scrum half Noah Hotham called up to cover for Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima.

Head coach Dave Rennie expressed frustration regarding the slow pace of his team’s play, a sentiment Erasmus suggested might be a strategic message to match officials. Matthew Carley, the English referee, will officiate the first Test, but the limited access to officials has sparked discussions among coaches about pre-match communication.

Erasmus noted, “There is definitely frustration from coaches around the world that you can't have pre-match meetings with the referee... If you want to get something out there, you have to get it out [in the media].”