When Siya Kolisi was first appointed as Springbok captain by Rassie Erasmus in 2018, it was an appointment that the loose forward even admitted caught him by surprise at the age of 26.

Since then, though, Kolisi has established himself as one of the game’s most iconic captains, leading the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup titles while uniting the country through his inspirational leadership.

The 33-year-old has already led South Africa in 61 Tests to date, currently placing him as the second-most capped Springbok captain of all time, with John Smit the far and away leader after serving as skipper in 83 Tests.

Just this week, though, Rassie Erasmus understandably reiterated that Kolisi will remain Springbok captain as long as he is fit and in-form, and every sign suggests he will be managed carefully through to the next World Cup.

It shouldn’t be overlooked that this year alone the Springboks could play as many as 15 Tests, and although Kolisi certainly won’t start in every game, he is likely to feature in the majority.

If he does play through to the next World Cup, there is every chance he will end up captaining the Springboks in at least 23 more Tests between now and the end of 2027, which could certainly see him end up as the most capped Springbok captain of all time.

It does make for an interesting subplot, especially as Kolisi also approaches the incredible milestone of reaching 100 Test caps for the Springboks, which is now just eight games away.

Siya Kolisi has the full backing to continue as Springbok captain

Speaking to the media in Cape Town on Wednesday, Erasmus reaffirmed Kolisi’s captaincy for the foreseeable future.

“I know captaincy is a big thing in South Africa. When I started out [as a Bok player] it wasn’t a big thing for me because I always thought we all take ownership and support the captain,” the Bok head coach said.

“But the person that Siya has become in SA has changed my mind about that. Our feeling is, if a guy is 34, 35, 36 and injury-free, and is the fittest he can be, as long as he is the No 1 in that position, he will stay captain.

“Obviously there have been some other options; Eben has been [captain], Bongi [Mbonambi] has been, Pieter-Steph [du Toit] has been… There have been a couple.

“But if Siya is fit, healthy and in the best possible shape that he can be, I don’t think there will be a change this year.”

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/kolisi-on-track-to-become-most-capped-springbok-captain/