Rassie Erasmus provides update on Siya Kolisi’s Springboks captaincy
On the day that the latter received his honorary doctorate, Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus hinted that Siya Kolisi might stay as captain.
The captaincy has been the subject of much conjecture, as Kolisi guided the team to consecutive Rugby World Cup victories prior to their trip to France.
Because the manager has made it clear that he prefers a home-based skipper for contact reasons, Erasmus had a headache regarding who might take over after the switch to Racing 92.
Kolisi will continue?
But it seems like flank Kolisi could retain the job if he and the Paris club can work out a plan for him to be available for every Springbok camp this year.
Erasmus spoke to the media in Potchefstroom on Thursday after picking up his honorary doctorate at the North-West University and offered an update on the process.
“We are exempt from having to decide right away (about the captaincy). There will need to be a change of captain after the first Test, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, against Wales, falls outside of the international window. With Kolisi present to support his coach, Erasmus said to Netwerk 24 that “we will decide after that.”
Due to club obligations, the Springboks will probably be missing a large number of first team players when they play the Welsh at Twickenham to start the season.
They then play Portugal and Ireland twice, and in the wake of 2023’s triumph and the documentary that follows their World Cup journey, Erasmus is now looking forward.
Youth to feature
“The World Cup is over, and Chasing the Sun is over,” he said.
“The coaching staff put in a lot of effort. This year, we’re definitely going to give the younger guys a chance. We must keep in mind that COVID-19 prevented us from playing rugby in 2020. We were unable to play.
“Therefore, we must begin introducing younger players.”
Following their domestic mid-year Test series, the Springboks will take on the Wallabies, All Blacks, and Pumas in an attempt to win the Rugby Championship.
Springboks fixtures
Wales vs. Springboks on Saturday, June 22 at Twickenham, London
Ireland vs. Springboks on Saturday, July 6 at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria
Ireland vs. the Springboks on Saturday, July 13 at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban
Portugal vs. the Springboks on July 20 at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein
Australia vs. Springboks on Saturday, August 10 at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane
Australia vs. Springboks, Saturday, August 17, Optus Stadium, Perth
South Africa vs. New Zealand on Saturday, August 31, Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Springboks vs. New Zealand on Saturday, September 7, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town
Argentina vs. Springboks on Saturday, September 21 (venue TBC)
Argentina vs. Springboks on Saturday, September 28 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit
Scotland vs. Springboks on Sunday, November 10 at Murrayfield, Edinburgh
England vs. Springboks on Saturday, November 16 at Twickenham, London
Wales vs. Springboks on Saturday, November 23 at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium
