Eben Etzebeth will lead the Springboks out in their first match since winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup, according to SARugbymag.co.za readers.
Bok centurion Etzebeth previously served as a full-time captain in 2017 and stood in for an injured Siya Kolisi in 2019 and 2023.
Paris-based Kolisi is unavailable for the opening Test of the year against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June, as it falls outside the official Test window and Racing 92 are not obligated to release him for international duty.
MORE: Siya to lose Bok captaincy?
This means that the Springboks will be counting on a South African-based player to lead the team in London.
According a SARugbymag.co.za poll, Etzebeth is the overwhelming favourite of the four local candidates to captain the Springboks, receiving 63% of votes.
Etzebeth’s Sharks teammates Lukhanyo Am (20%) and Bongi Mbonambi (11%) were second and third on the list respectively, while veteran Bok tighthead Frans Malherbe received 5% of the vote.
Mbonambi twice captained the Springboks in 2023, against Argentina and Romania.
While Frans Malherbe and Lukhanyo Am have never captained the Springboks before, both veterans are part of the core leadership group and have experience leading their respective franchises.
Photo: Aaron Gillions/ www.photosport.nz/BackpagePix
The post Eben gets Bok captaincy nod appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
