Kolisi and Arendse Likely to Miss Clash Against New Zealand After Head Blows

South Africa's captain Siya Kolisi and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse might miss the upcoming Rugby Championship match against New Zealand due to head injuries sustained in a recent game against the All Blacks. Arendse is under concussion protocol, while Kolisi is being checked for a potential cheekbone fracture.

South Africa's captain Siya Kolisi and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse are likely to miss the forthcoming Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand in Cape Town, following head injuries incurred during last Saturday's narrow victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg.

Arendse was knocked out in the second half while attempting to tackle New Zealand's Rieko Ioane, leading to a Head-Impact Assessment (HIA). Following concussion protocols, he is expected to sit out the next game. Kolisi also underwent an HIA after being tackled by Sam Cane and, despite passing the assessment, showed visible facial swelling, prompting further checks for a potential fractured cheekbone.

Coach Rassie Erasmus indicated the probability of a fracture during the post-match press conference at Ellis Park. The Springboks, now leading the Rugby Championship with 14 points, await medical updates on both players. Meanwhile, the Wallabies narrowly defeated Argentina 20-19 in La Plata, setting the stage for another encounter in Santa Fe on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies.)