Siya Kolisi will not lead the Springboks out in their first match since winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup – who is your choice to take over the captaincy?
Kolisi has held the Bok captaincy throughout the Erasmus-era, leading the country to historic back-to-back World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023 after being appointed in 2018.
However, the talismanic flanker moved to France after the 2023 World Cup, to take up a contract with Parisian giants Racing 92. Ordinarily there would be no question that Kolisi continues to captain the Springboks, especially if he continues to show good form.
MORE: Siya to lose Bok captaincy?
Erasmus revealed during a press conference in Cape Town that while Kolisi does not have a clause in his club contract that prevents him from playing for South Africa, SA Rugby prefers to have the Bok captain based in the country.
Kolisi will miss the opening Test of the year, against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June, as it falls outside of the official July Test window and Racing 92 are not obligated to release him for international duty.
This means that the Springboks will be counting on a South African-based player to lead the team in London.
Bok centurion Eben Etzebeth has previously served as a full-time captain in 2017 and stood in for an injured Kolisi in 2019 and 2023. His Sharks teammate Bongi 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: Twitter: @Springboks
The post Siya out, who to captain Boks? appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Src: sarugbymag.co.za
