Kolisi confirms successful knee surgery: 'Now the hard work begins'

Disaster struck for Kolisi and the Springboks last weekend when the South African skipper suffered a partial ACL tear in the United Rugby Championship clash against Munster.

It was initially thought that opting for surgery would rule Kolisi out of any chance of leading the Boks in France later this year

While Kolisi's chances are still very much in the balance, it seems that he and his family are still holding out hope of going to the World Cup.

Following the medical procedure, Siya Kolisi posted a cheery-looking family photo of himself, Rachel and their two children Nic and Kezia on Instagram.

"Op went well, the hard work starts now. Thanks for all the prayers, messages and support," Kolisi wrote.

Kolisi's wife Rachel shared her husband's initial post to her Instagram stories and gave Boks fans even more hope, writing: "God's been doing a thing! Thank you all for the love. We are so grateful! Still believing! Still praying!"

Considering how tight-lipped Kolisi, his club and the Boks have been about his World Cup prospects, it's safe to say the jury is still out on his participation, but no doubt all South African fans will be rooting for him to make a remarkable comeback.

Kolisi and the Boks are hoping to defend the World Cup trophy they won in spectacular fashion in Japan four years ago.