Springboks Coach Rassie Erasmus Explains Siya Kolisi’s Move to No. 8 Ahead of Wallabies Clash
- Siya Kolisi will take on a surprising new role for Saturday’s Test against Australia, to be played at Ellis Park
- Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has explained the reason behind the switch
- Injuries and suspensions in the Springboks squad have necessitated changes to the loose forwards lineup
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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a powerful squad for South Africa’s opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, with kick-off at 17:10.
Erasmus has confirmed that Siya Kolisi will start at number eight for Saturday’s Rugby Championship match against Australia at Ellis Park, marking the first time the captain will take the position at Test level.
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The switch from his usual flanker role is primarily a strategic response to the Wallabies’ aggressive breakdown play.
What did Erasmus say about Kolisi's new role?
Erasmus emphasised that Kolisi’s duties will remain largely unchanged, with the captain primarily filling the No. 8 position during scrums, which occur roughly 13 to 14 times per game.
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“After more practice sessions, we realised that Kolisi’s main role as No 8 is at the scrum,” Erasmus told reporters.
“Most of the game is general play, where having Siya alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marko van Staden in the loose trio strengthens our presence at the breakdown. Australia fights hard in that area, and we need players who can clean out well.”
Kolisi played extensively as No. 8 during the Sharks’ 2024/25 United Rugby Championship campaign, providing Erasmus with confidence to deploy him similarly at the international level. The move comes in the wake of Jasper Wiese's suspension and Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw's absence through injury
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While Jean-Luc du Preez and Cobus Wiese were options for the role, Erasmus opted to entrust Kolisi with the position, allowing Marko van Staden to complete the loose trio.
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The Springbok coach also highlighted changes in the backline, with Grant Williams and Manie Libbok named in key playmaking positions. Notably, South Africa has chosen a traditional 5-3 bench combination, though Erasmus hinted this could adjust depending on Australia’s final squad selection.
“We moved the squad announcement forward to clear speculation early,” Erasmus added.
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“The team now knows who’s playing, so we can focus fully on preparing. If Australia opt for a 6-2 bench split, we might adjust later in the week, but for now, this is our team.”
South Africa face Australia at Ellis Park on Saturday, 16 August, in a crucial Rugby Championship fixture as the Springboks aim to defend their title.
Source: Getty Images
Siya Kolisi ranked among the world’s highest-paid rugby players
Briefly News previously reported that Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been named among the world’s top 10 highest-paid rugby players for the 2024/25 season.
The report by DashTickets.nz highlights the soaring international demand for South African rugby talent, particularly in Japan’s lucrative league.
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Source: Briefly News
