Erasmus Explains Why Kriel Was Named Springboks Captain Over Kolisi for All Blacks Tie
- Rassie Erasmus has explained why he retained Jesse Kriel as Springboks captain despite Siya Kolisi's return for the All Blacks' clash in New Zealand
- Kolisi has made a return to the squad despite being a doubt due to injury, but he won't lead the team against New Zealand
- The Springboks coach's decision sparked different views from South African rugby fans on social media
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has clarified the reason behind his decision to retain Jesse Kriel as his captain ahead of Siya Kolisi for South Africa's clash against the All Blacks of New Zealand in the Rugby Championship on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Source: Getty Images
The Boks will face the All Blacks at Eden Park with Rassie naming his full squad, while Faf de Klerk earned a late call-up and Bongi Mbonambi was omitted due to personal issues.
Kriel captained the Springboks in their last match against the Wallabies of Australia in Cape Town, with Kolisi missing the tie due to injury, alongside Wille le Roux.
The 31-year-old has been taking over the leadership role in the Boks team in the absence of Siya this year, but this will be the first time the Canon Eagles star will take up the position with both players present in the squad.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
Erasmus on retaining Kriel as captain over Kolisi
Erasmus, while announcing his final Springboks squad to face the All Blacks, explained why Kriel will retain the captaincy despite Kolisi's inclusion in the team.
"Siya was a bit of a doubt earlier in the week after recently recovering from an injury, and we didn’t want to push him if it wasn’t necessary," said Erasmus.
"However, when Jean-Luc du Preez picked up a slight knock in training, Siya naturally became the best fit to step in at No. 8. By that point, Jesse had already been appointed captain, and we felt it was only right to stick with that decision. He’s a strong leader, an integral part of our squad, and sets the tone both in his communication on the field and through his performances.
"It’s also a special milestone for Jesse, captaining the Springboks against the All Blacks for the first time. We’re proud of him and confident he’ll lead with the same passion and professionalism he always brings."
Rassie also confirmed that Kolisi, showing true humility, was the one who suggested that Kriel should remain captain.
Source: Getty Images
The decision by Erasmus to choose Kriel as captain over Kolisi sparked different reactions from South African rugby fans on social media.
El_SportsExpert said:
"Think the AB’s will win this one. Bench looks suspect and won’t deliver the bomb squad impact we’ve been used to. Siya not captain? Very odd. Something has been off this whole season with the Boks, and I reckon Saturday will be a long day at the office. AB by 15-20 points."
dchenjerai001 wrote:
"Siya in but not captain, oh ok."
Johryn Jantjies shared:
"Siya Kolisi at 8??? Willie Le Roux at 15??? Siya don't even perform for the Sharks . Rassie I hope you have something up your sleeve here."
Jo Al asked:
"Why Kriel over Siya for captain?"
ManelisiKetse reacted:
"Why is Kriel's underperforming the captain when the real captain is playing? And has Willie not reached his 100 caps yet? He needs to sit down. I'm so tired of Reinach. 😩😩😩"
JojoMongami added:
"Kolisi won't see a full 80. It makes sense to have a captain that can play a full game. HOW that captain plays is a different story however."
Boks stand-in captain, Kriel, flaunts his new R2.2m car
Briefly News also reported that Kriel, who was the stand-in captain in Siya Kolisi's absence, was seen cruising in his new car on social media.
The two-time rugby World Cup winner's new car is reportedly worth R2.2 million in the South African automobile market.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
