Siya all set to lead the Boks again
National coach stands by Kolisi
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said it was an easy decision to retain Siya Kolisi as captain for the Rugby Championship that starts against Argentina on August 18.
Kolisi captained the Boks to a 2-1 series win over England in June and was initially only appointed for that series.
But, when Erasmus named his 35-man squad for the Championship‚ Kolisi was elected captain over returning former captains Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth.
Kolisi became the first black South African to captain the Boks in a Test match and his appointment‚ while celebrated‚ also came with a lot of pressure on the 27-year-old’s shoulders.
“It was a no-brainer decision for me and there was no doubt in my mind that Siya would continue as captain‚” Erasmus said.
“After the relative success we had against England‚ though I have to say we weren’t world-beaters‚ Siya did a good job.
“The way he carried himself through a lot of emotional moments was impressive. It wasn’t negative emotion‚ but he had a lot of emotional things on his shoulders and he dealt with it well.
“He also played relatively well and I believe you’ll see a different‚ better Siya in the Rugby Championship. He will start playing really well‚ if I could put it like that‚ if his performances at our training camps over the past few weeks are anything to go by.
“The fanfare around the captaincy has died down now and he can focus on his game.”
With the inclusion of two genuine opensiders in Francois Louw as well as the uncapped Marco van Staden‚ the Bok back row might well have a different look.
Erasmus made it clear that Kolisi is a guaranteed starter‚ although he might not necessarily start in the No 6 shirt.
Van Staden was set to start for the Boks against England in June before injury in the Bulls’ final Super Rugby match before the international season started ruled him out of the series.
“We will change the loose trio based on the opposition‚” Erasmus said.
“Against certain teams we will need more players attacking the ball and contesting on the ground. Siya has taught himself the role of openside and has focused on that.
“He is brilliant over the ball and a good counter-rucker‚ but he is not the best at poaching or slowing the ball. But he is a good lineout option and we could try him at blindside flank.
“He has also played at No 8 before and there is one thing for sure‚ he will always start because he is the captain.”