Siya Kolisi may be rested for the upcoming game against Argentina, but he’s set to swap his captain’s armband for a coaching role with the Springboks.
The Springboks are preparing to face Argentina in the first of two back-to-back matches against the South American side. The first match will take place in Argentina this weekend, followed by a second encounter in Mbombela, South Africa.
Springboks Make Major Changes for Argentina Game
As expected when the traveling squad was announced, Rassie Erasmus has made several changes to the team that defeated New Zealand in Cape Town two weeks ago. In total, 10 changes have been made, including resting regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi. After fracturing his nose in the Ellis Park victory over the All Blacks, Kolisi’s participation in the upcoming match was uncertain.
Kolisi defied expectations and played in the match that completed the double over New Zealand. Many anticipated he would be rested for the Argentina game, but his inclusion in the traveling squad raised doubts. However, it was later confirmed that Salmaan Moerat would once again step in as captain for the much-changed Springbok side.
Moerat’s role as skipper was confirmed when the 23-man squad was announced. Surprisingly, Kolisi will still have an important role in the match—but from the Springbok coaching booth alongside Rassie Erasmus!
Kolisi Joins the Coaching Booth
“Siya wasn’t brought here to play, but to be on standby in case anyone gets injured. One of the things we want to do is get Siya into the coaches’ box,” said Erasmus, as quoted by SA Rugby Magazine. “We usually have Duane [Vermeulen] on the sideline relaying messages to Siya and the decision-makers on the field, but Siya doesn’t know what happens in the coaches’ box. We really want him to see how we reach decisions and send messages, so he can understand the whole process. We did the same thing with Duane, and he said afterward he had a new understanding, which we hope Siya will gain as well this weekend.”
Is this a sign that Kolisi is being groomed for a future coaching role with the Springboks? Would you like to see him as a coach one day? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
