Rassie Erasmus Makes Key Decision on Springbok Captaincy, Sticking with Siya Kolisi
- Erasmus has committed to keeping Kolisi as Springbok captain, emphasizing that as long as he stays fit and healthy
- With several key players approaching their mid-thirties, Erasmus highlighted the importance of renewing the squad
- Erasmus provided an update on Etzebeth’s concussion recovery, stating that while he is not yet ready to play
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Coach Rassie Erasmus has made a definitive decision regarding the captaincy of the Springboks, reaffirming his belief in Siya Kolisi as the team’s leader.
Despite questions surrounding Kolisi’s form and age, with the 34-year-old set to turn 35 in June, Erasmus has committed to keeping Kolisi as captain as long as he remains in top shape.
Source: Getty Images
Kolisi’s Iconic Leadership
Erasmus highlighted that captaincy holds significant weight in South Africa, noting that his view on the role has evolved.
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Initially, he did not place as much importance on the captaincy, but Kolisi’s transformation into a national icon, both on and off the field, has shifted Erasmus’s perspective.
Commitment to Kolisi’s Leadership
Erasmus stated that if Kolisi remains fit and healthy, he will continue to serve as captain, even with strong leadership alternatives such as Eben Etzebeth, Bongi Mbonambi, and Pieter-Steph du Toit available.
The coach emphasized that Kolisi's leadership is vital to the team’s success and stability moving forward.
Team Renewal and Veteran Presence
As the next Rugby World Cup looms two-and-a-half years away, many key players who contributed to the back-to-back World Cup victories will be in their mid-thirties.
While Erasmus stressed the importance of team renewal—having used over 50 players last year—he acknowledged that experienced veterans like Kolisi remain crucial to the Springboks’ prospects.
Eben Etzebeth’s Recovery Update
Erasmus also provided an update on Etzebeth, who has been recovering from a concussion.
Although Etzebeth is not yet ready to play, Erasmus confirmed that he is nearing full fitness. Once Etzebeth is cleared, the coach expects him to be available for selection.
Etzebeth is among 56 players invited to the Boks’ preseason camp in Cape Town from March 10-12 and will join a virtual camp with overseas-based players later in the month.
Source: Getty Images
Kolisi's Continued Captaincy Vital for World Cup Preparation
With the next World Cup on the horizon, Erasmus’s decision to keep Kolisi as captain will play a significant role in the Springboks' strategy as they aim to defend their title and prepare for the challenges ahead.
Why Kolisi remains indispensable
Siya Kolisi became the captain of the Springboks in 2018, making him the first black man to captain the South Africa national rugby team.
The 34-year-old led the team to Rugby World Cup victory in 2019 and 2023.
Beyond his influence on the pitch, Kolisi continues to play a crucial role in unifying the squad and inspiring younger players.
Speaking on his leadership style, Kolisi said: "Everyone’s a leader, everyone’s in charge of a different facet of the game."
"That’s what I’m good at as a leader, sitting with someone. It's good to speak with people because you’ll never know what you will find in the process."
According to him, true leadership is also closely tied to honest and open conversations, an environment that he fosters within the team.
His leadership extends to mentoring the next generation of Springboks, ensuring a seamless transition when the time comes for a new captain.
When will the next captain be considered?
Although Kolisi remains the preferred leader, Rassie Erasmus claimed that the process of training a successor is already in motion.
He stated that potential future captains are being closely observed in domestic and international competitions.
Eben Etzebeth: From Rugby Star to Devoted Family Man
Briefly News previously reported that Eben Etzebeth, known for his fierce determination on the rugby field, has embraced a new chapter in life as a devoted husband and father.
He met actress and singer Anlia van Rensburg in October 2021 in Melkbosstrand, Cape Town, and proposed to her during a romantic trip to Hyères, France, in March 2022.
They married in a beautiful ceremony at La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on February 4, 2023. Their joy continued with the birth of their daughter on January 16, 2024.
Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article
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Source: Briefly News
