The explosive return of Sia Kolisi was an ominous warning to the rest of the world.

Sia Kolisi successfully brought back the South African side in Cardiff. Photo: Getty Images/Warren Little

As South Africa is known as defending champions, time is the equivalent of a World Cup year. And, buoyed by the return of their captain Sia Kolisi, the Springboks seem to be gaining momentum in an ominous way. They know how to navigate these tournaments.

After a nearly four-month hiatus, Kolisi's flanker only needed three minutes to consolidate his dominance and show his worth. Moving into the wide channels as the visitors kept the ball inside 22 and beat Wales, he popped up on Willy le Roux's left shoulder.

Kolisi made a short pass and worked his way through two red shirts before reaching out to pick up a delicate offload with his right hand. Malcolm Marks could walk through the queue. South Africa took a 5-0 lead and were in full swing.

Springboks' dominating 52-16 victory was predictable given the strength of the team picked by Jacques Ninaber and the green eye on Warren Gatland's line . up.

South Africa tensed its cramping and crushing muscles and moved the ball sharply. Performances by RG Snyman, Jaden Hendrikse, Jesse Kriel and Canan Moodie were very positive. However, the return of Kolisi eclipsed them in importance. At this stage, although according to the testimony of one half, his recovery seems remarkable.

Kolisi's strength and speed was too great for Wales. Photo: Getty Images/Alex Davidson

Colisi tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on 22 April during a 22-22 draw between the Sharks and Munster in the Rugby United Championship. Even with medical advances, it's rather unusual for a back rower to return to the field. To tell the truth, it seemed rather optimistic for South Africa to leave him in the camp after the operation.

On Saturday, in a game that once again highlighted the unevenness of the World Cup draw — at least one of Argentina, Australia, England, Fiji or Wales will reach the semi-finals — the only sign of Colisi's recent ailment was the belt that supported his right knee.

Together with marauding Peter-Stef du Toit and Jasper Wiese in a balanced back row, behind a pair of hefty and movable locks in Gene Klein and Snyman, the 32-year-old settled in well.

Most striking was his explosive nature in various aspects of the game. After unloading, Marx was attacked from the outfield to kick back. Another sharp run-out from under the tail of the line drive heralded Le Roux's chip towards Moody and a penalty.

He was recalled at half-time in a planned trick, replaced by a devastating groundhog due to a breakdown in Marco van. Staden, Kolisi came out and sat in the stands next to his friend Eben Etzebeth. The latter, one of the most powerful players on the planet, epitomized the firepower that South Africa has in its holster. Mohandre Pollard and Lucano Am, not yet part of the official 33-man squad due to injury but still traveling with the Springboks, were two more interested observers.

South Africa will face New Zealand at Twickenham on Friday night in the last set-up match before the title defense. No matter how the All Blacks dispose of their resources, it can be assumed that this will be a more serious and urgent task. The Springboks should hit the ground running in France because Scotland, their first pool rival, has the urge to test them. With the Kolisi talisman ready and active, they will be in a strong position to do so.