Siya Kolisi has already established himself as one of the greatest Springbok captains of all time, and when he eventually decides to retire from international rugby, his successor will have huge boots to fill.

Kolisi will turn 34-years-old in June, but he has said that he’s determined to play through to the next World Cup, but even if he can achieve this, there is no doubt that would bring an end to his international career after 2027.

With this in mind, we take a look at some captaincy contenders who could succeed Kolisi.

Handre Pollard

The veteran flyhalf is still only 30-years-old, and could quite feasibly still play for the Springboks for another five or six years. He is a well-respected leader and could pretty easily take over from Kolisi, although it wouldn’t be much of a long-term appointment.

Salmaan Moerat

The big lock has already captained the Springboks on three occasions, and is clearly held in high regard by the national coaches. At 26, he has age on his side, but the big question is whether he would be assured of a starting position.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The youngster might only be at the start of his Test career, but if he can stay fit and injury free, there is no doubt that he possesses the talent to remain a key member of the Springbok team through to the next World Cup. Rassie Erasmus has already admitted that the former SA U20 skipper shows ‘captaincy material’, and he could well be a strong contender after 2027 when he has banked some more experience.

*NOTE: Bongi Mbonambi is 34-years-old, while Eben Etzebeth recently turned 33, ruling them out as captaincy ‘successors’.

SIYA KOLISI IS DETERMINED TO PLAY FOR THE SPRINGBOKS AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

Kolisi recently returned to the Sharks from French club Racing 92, and it’s understood that a big factor in this decision was to reduce the workload on his body as he looks to extend his international career.

“When I put on the green-and-gold jersey, I feel like a superhero,” he said in a lengthy interview with The Times. “I feel like I can do anything and I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to give that up.

“The next person that takes it [the jersey] from me, they’re going to have to grab it, because I’m going to fight. And my body feels strong, so I think I can.”

Kolisi also admitted that he wouldn’t have been able to extend his Test career by another four years if he continued to play in the gruelling French Top 14 rather than at a South African club where game management policies apply for Springbok players.

“On my body, there’s no way I could do both,” he stated.

WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD TAKE OVER FROM SIYA ONE DAY?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

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Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/three-candidates-who-could-take-over-springbok-captaincy/