Rassie explains captaincy call ahead of All Blacks Test

With Siya Kolisi fit for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained why he will captain the side for the clash.

Kolisi was initially bracketed with Paul de Villiers at No 6, but came through practice on Monday and Tuesday to take his position in the team.

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When the side was announced on Monday morning, Pieter-Steph du Toit was marked as captain, but Erasmus explained to reporters that with Kolisi back, the captaincy reverts to him.

It’s also about taking extra pressure off Du Toit, especially as he runs out for the Springboks in his 100th Test in Cape Town.

“Pieter-Steph just took the captaincy for us on Monday so Siya could fully concentrate on his recovery and his work, and I had a chat with Pieter-Steph today, and he agreed [with Kolisi taking over captaincy responsibilities],” Erasmus said.

“In this match you probably don't want captaincy responsibilities, with the 100 to think about, and on top of that needing to play well, so Siya is our captain.

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Erasmus added that Kolisi inspires his teammates.

“The 23 guys who played together against Argentina played really well, and it’s not just his game that is good, he's a very inspirational person who means a lot to this team on and off the field.”

Related tags

All Blacks Greatest Rivalry Pieter-Steph du Toit Rassie Erasmus Siya Kolisi Springboks