With Siya Kolisi playing in France, the Springboks are in search of a new captain. Who are the best candidates to take over the captaincy from the Rugby World Cup-winning leader?
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has suggested that the captaincy might shift away from Kolisi in the upcoming campaign.
NEW SPRINGBOK CAPTAIN
Erasmus has hinted at a preference for a captain based in South Africa.
“Siya is playing some of his best rugby, but I prefer to have my captain locally-based as that allows for more interaction,” Erasmus told the media, as reported by Sky Sports.
“This is a unique situation, and I think he [Kolisi] will play some Test matches; he certainly wants to, but we are not sure about the captaincy.”
If Kolisi steps aside, who will take his place? Let’s look at the four strongest candidates for the job.
EBEN ETZEBETH
As a two-time SA Rugby Player of the Year, Eben Etzebeth is a cornerstone of the Springbok team when fit. While there are concerns that the captaincy might distract him from his many responsibilities on the field, Etzebeth’s match awareness and leadership potential make him a strong candidate. However, his persistent links to overseas moves may impact his long-term availability in South Africa.
BONGI MBONAMBI
Bongi Mbonambi is a strong short-term candidate with prior experience in the role. Currently tied to the Sharks, his future in South African rugby remains somewhat uncertain. With the hooker position facing challenges, Mbonambi’s fitness and form will be crucial. While he has all the qualities of a great skipper, his occasional clashes with officials might be a concern.
LUKHANYO AM
Sharks skipper and defensive co-ordinator Lukhanyo Am is another superb choice for captain. It has been a while since the Springboks had a backline player as a permanent captain—Jean de Villiers being the last from 2003 to 2012. Although not the loudest voice in the squad, Erasmus could build a strong leadership team around Am.
ELRIGH LOUW
Elrigh Louw could be a long-term option for captaincy if Erasmus decides to look ahead. Despite limited leadership opportunities, Louw possesses the qualities of a traditional Springbok captain. At a young age, he could be moulded into a future leader, reminiscent of Corne Krige, who captained the team while Erasmus was a player under Nick Mallet.
The decision on the new Springbok captain will significantly impact the team’s dynamics, and each of these candidates brings unique strengths to the table. The Springboks are poised for an exciting new chapter in their leadership.
