This Bok is born to lead
New skipper Siya Kolisi during the Springboks’ training session at St Stithians College in Joburg yesterday.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says the recent transformation debates in South Africa played no role in his decision to award the team’s captaincy to Siya Kolisi and it was the player’s leadership qualities that won him the honour.
Kolisi will become the first black African to captain the Springboks when the South Africans host England in three tests next month.
Erasmus said after announcing the decision yesterday that he was impressed by the player’s leadership ability.
Chilliboy Ralepelle captained a Springbok XV against a World XV at Leicester in England under former coach Jake White in 2006 but it was not an official test match.
“I know Siya is a good leader and I am excited about what he can offer us‚” said Erasmus.
“I coached him since he was 18 years old when he arrived at the Stormers from the Eastern Cape and through the academy until he played for the Stormers. This year he has gone through some tough times with form as captain of the Stormers but he is a great leader.
“Before I was appointed‚ I have always understood all the transformation issues and that they are part of the way we are heading and I have bought into that. We are trying to fix all the wrong things that were done in the past,” he added.
“The recent things that happened did not have a bearing on this decision because my contract was signed long before. The players we have in this squad deserve to be here and I am not trying to fabricate things.”
The Bok coach announced a largely inexperienced squad yesterday to be led by PieterSteph du Toit against Wales at the Robert F Kennedy Stadium in Washington DC on Saturday.