Siya Kolisi goes under the knife as World Cup hangs in the balance

However, it still remains unclear if he will be fit in time to lead the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

Kolisi was set to go under the knife on Friday after suffering the ACL tear.

It was initially reported that opting for surgery would rule him out of World Cup contention but it now seems there may still be hope for Kolisi.

The Bok captain was set to receive a National Order of Ikhamanga award on Friday but could not attend due to his impending surgery. His wife Rachel was present at the award ceremony in Durban.

The Order of Ikhamanga was instituted in 2003 and is granted by the President of South Africa for achievements in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sports.