Cheslin Kolbe will not travel with the Springboks for their year-end Nations Championship fixtures but has been given a return date of 5 December when the Stormers face the Sharks in Durban. The 32-year-old utility back sustained a double jaw fracture during South Africa's 29–24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium on 5 September.
Matt Norton, Kolbe's agent, confirmed the severity of the injury, explaining that the top part of the fracture was too close to facial nerves, which delayed the healing process as the bone had to fuse naturally. Stormers Director of Rugby John Dobson said Kolbe is already attending team meetings and involved in match preparations. "He is available to us from the start of December," Dobson confirmed. "We can't wait to have him."
Kolbe, who had taken over goal-kicking duties for the Springboks during the Nations Championship and Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand, described the injury as his most frustrating. Speaking on the For the Love of Rugby South Africa podcast with former teammate Steven Kitshoff, he detailed the two-month recovery on a liquid diet. "Sometimes I'll just walk out of the house and walk around while the family's eating because it's frustrating," Kolbe said. "I was craving a piece of steak, a piece of sausage, even chocolate."
The injury ended Kolbe's involvement early in the Soweto Test after heavy contact in a defensive tackle inside the 22-metre area. South Africa currently lead the South Section of the Nations Championship and face Italy, France and Ireland on tour, with the section winner progressing to the final at Twickenham on 29 November.