Springboks captain Siya Kolisi is looking forward to his imminent return to international rugby when the world champions take on Georgia in Nelspruit on Saturday.

South Africa’s clash with the Lelos will be their fourth match of the season after they notched victories in a non-cap exhibition match against the Barbarians and in back-to-back Tests with the Azzurri.

The back-rower was set to skipper the Springboks in that clash against the Baa-baas but was a late withdrawal due to a stiff neck and was also omitted from Tests against the Azzurri due to a niggling Achilles injury.

However, he is fit and raring to go at the Mbombela Stadium – a venue which has special memories for Kolisi as he made his international debut there in the Boks’ 30-17 victory over Scotland.

‘The vibe at the stadium is amazing’

“It’s always fantastic to play here,” said Kolisi. “The vibe at the stadium is amazing, and we know that it will be similar to last week in Gqeberha, where the crowd really got involved and inspired us.

“We are very grateful to the people coming to the stadium. They definitely lift us, so we are grateful for their support.”

The 34-year-old admitted that it was tough sitting on the sidelines during the Boks’ previous matches in 2025.

“I would have loved it, but just being in the camp and seeing all the guys again has been good for me,” he said. “The environment in the team helps a lot both on and off the field.”

Boks head coach Rassie Erasmus has sprung a surprise by handing Test debuts to front-rowers Neethling Fouche (tighthead prop), Marnus van der Merwe (hooker) and Boan Venter (loosehead prop) against Georgia.

There have been concerns raised in some quarters that the Boks are taking to the field with a fully uncapped front-row but Kolisi is confident the debutants will give a good account of themselves against the Lelos, who are renowned for their physicality in the tight exchanges.

‘We feel there is enough experience in the team’

“I’m very proud of the guys earning their first Test caps, and as a group, we feel there is enough experience in the team for them to know we have their backs,” said the skipper.

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“They’ve been training against the likes of Ox (Nche), Wilco (Louw), and Malcolm (Marx), among others, and the players around them have played Test rugby before.

“Over and above that, a scrum is not only about the front-row, it involves everyone in the pack doing their bit, and everyone in the team knows what they have to do.”

Meanwhile, Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said the Boks will not be underestimating Georgia and expect a tough challenge from them.

Georgia are a physical team, and they pride themselves on their set-pieces, so we know having to match that will be the toughest part for us,” he explained.

“I’ve been to Georgia, and I’ve seen how tough their players are, but the key for us is to improve on our standards consistently, and as coaches, we feel there is still room for improvement, so we are hoping to see the players execute the game plan as well as possible and to play with the intensity we expect.”