South Africa’s World Cup winning hero Cheslin Kolbe is doubtful for the Springboks’ Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Queensland on Sunday.
Kolbe sustained a knock in training last Friday and is yet to be declared fit enough to play.
Springbok forwards coach Deon David, on Tuesday said Kolbe faced a late fitness test to be considered for selection for the first of the back to back clashes against the Wallabies.
“Cheslin was hit on the leg in training on Friday and was sent away for an assessment,” said Davids.
“He will be ready to play again as soon as possible, but at the moment we are still busy with his assessment.
“We will make a decision on whether he will be able to play on Sunday later today or tomorrow. Obviously it all depends on the results of the assessment.”
Kolbe has been one of the Springboks’ standout performers since making his Test debut in 2018 and played an influential role in South Africa’s 2-1 series win over the British & Irish Lions recently.
The Springboks face Australia on Sunday in round three of the Rugby Championship in the Gold Coast suburb of Robina, Queensland.
The two teams clash again at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on September 18.
Although South Africa won the last Rugby Championship meeting against the Aussies 35-17 at Ellis Park Stadium in July 2019, the World Champions are facing a tough battle against their Southern Hemisphere rivals.
Australia are currently on a five-game unbeaten run at home to the Springboks, stretching back to a 24-23 victory in Perth in 2014.
The Springboks who have been on a run of brilliant form since Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber took over the coaching reins in 2018 are well placed to finally end their Australia jinx and boost their chances of retaining the Rugby Championship title.
New Zealand sit top of the Rugby Championship table with 10 points after their two bonus point wins over Australia, while the Springboks are on nine points following their two victories over Argentina (one with a bonus point, one without).
Australia and Argentina, meanwhile, are both pointless after their opening two fixtures.
