South Africa have named their first black rugby captain – but he will not be leading the Springboks against Wales in Washington on Saturday.
Instead, new skipper Siya Kolisi will be back in Cape Town along with 17 other leading player preparing for their three-Test series against England the following week.
With the international against Wales falling outside of the official Test window, the Springboks will be led by Pieter-Steph du Toit, a Stormers teammate of Kolisi.
Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, Francois Steyn, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen and Kolisi are among the major names left behind to prepare for the Test series where England will be anxious to end a four-Test losing streak.
Current Bok coach Rassie Erasmus announced an extended squad of 43 players for the June tests and suggested he would take a number of fringe players to face Wales.
With previous skippers, loose-forward Warren Whiteley and lock Eben Etzebeth, both ruled out through injury, Kolisi will become the first black Test captain of the team after hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle, who was just 20 at the time, led a Springbok XV against a World XV in 2006.
Overlooked last year when then coach Allister Coetzee preferred Etzebeth despite Kolisi being the lock’s captain at the Stormers, Monday’s move has significance beyond the field as South African rugby seeks to attract more black players.
Erasmus says the decision was based purely on his history with Kolisi but is also aware that it will be a popular appointment with a majority of the South African population.
“I got Siya from the Eastern Cape to come play in the Western Cape. I’ve known him for a long time,” Erasmus told reporters on Monday. “I don’t want to look at this from a political or historical perspective.
“I coached Siya in his first training session at (Western) Province. I know him as a great rugby player. I’ve seen him go through good times and tough times as captain and a player. He’s a reliable player that always gives his best.
“It’s only for the June tests for now as guys like Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth still have to return. It was just common sense that he’d make a good option.
“In terms of what he does for our country is really just a bonus. I like him. He’s humble, quiet and gets the job done.”
Willie le Roux, Handre Pollard, Francois Steyn, Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai ‘Beast’ Mtawarira, Siya Kolisi, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen and Kolisi are among the major names left behind to prepare for the Test series where England will be anxious to end a four-Test losing streak.
Current Bok coach Rassie Erasmus announced an extended squad of 43 players for the June tests and suggested he would take a number of fringe players to face Wales.
With previous skippers, loose-forward Warren Whiteley and lock Eben Etzebeth, both ruled out through injury, Kolisi will become the first black Test captain of the team after hooker Chilliboy Ralepelle, who was just 20 at the time, led a Springbok XV against a World XV in 2006.
Overlooked last year when then coach Allister Coetzee preferred Etzebeth despite Kolisi being the lock’s captain at the Stormers, Monday’s move has significance beyond the field as South African rugby seeks to attract more black players.
Erasmus says the decision was based purely on his history with Kolisi but is also aware that it will be a popular appointment with a majority of the South African population.
“I got Siya from the Eastern Cape to come play in the Western Cape. I’ve known him for a long time,” Erasmus told reporters on Monday. “I don’t want to look at this from a political or historical perspective.
“I coached Siya in his first training session at (Western) Province. I know him as a great rugby player. I’ve seen him go through good times and tough times as captain and a player. He’s a reliable player that always gives his best.
“It’s only for the June tests for now as guys like Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth still have to return. It was just common sense that he’d make a good option.
“In terms of what he does for our country is really just a bonus. I like him. He’s humble, quiet and gets the job done.”