Bok captaincy: who is in the hat

SUCCESSOR: FOUR PLAYERS READY TO PUT HANDS UP

Departing Strauss will have his input in Coetzee’s decision.

The sudden decision by Adriaan Strauss to step down as Springbok captain at the end of the year has opened a world of options on the best candidates as his likely successor.

While Strauss will retire from international rugby, the next Bok captain could be named before then and could even be groomed during the end-of-year tour.

It’s not perfect timing as the Boks were due to arrive last night for their Rugby Championship clash in Brisbane against the Wallabies next weekend with the leadership of the team now under the spotlight.

Current vice-captain Bryan Habana is already 32 and is unlikely to still be part of the set-up by the time the 2019 World Cup in Japan comes around and at best could serve as an interim captain.

If the vision is long-term, Pat Lambie could be the wise choice, but unfortunately he is prone to injury, while lock Lood de Jager is another possibility.

Bok coach Allister Coetzee said Strauss will be instrumental in identifying the new captain.

“I’ve come to know Adriaan as a player who only wants what is best for the team.

“So he will help the younger players and leaders come through the system, knowing they will need to get game time and exposure at Test level,” he said. Likely candidates

Warren Whiteley: The Lions captain would be a very popular choice but at the moment he is not completely assured of his No 8 position. With Duane Vermeulen still injured, he needs to produce far more decisive performances to warrant his place in the side first.

Duane Vermeulen: He was tipped as a possible leader even before Strauss’ appointment, but being based in France counted against him as the Bok captain needed to be based locally, although a compromise might be reached between Saru and his French club Toulon.

Francois Louw: Always held in the highest regard as one of the leaders in the side, even though his current lukewarm form has seen his position challenged by Jaco Kriel. His situation is similar to that of Vermeulen in that he is also based overseas with Bath in England.

Bismarck du Plessis: The fiery hooker hasn’t been part of Coetzee’s plans yet, but with Strauss stepping down it could bring him back in the picture. He is also a very respected player even though his ill-discipline has followed him throughout his career.