Pick your captain - Kolisi vs Matera
We’re kicking off our Knockout Fan’s Vote World’s Best Captain with a pair of southern hemisphere loose forwards who have changed the way their teams are viewed.
The role of the captain is to lead, inspire and motivate their teammates to produce a performance worthy of the country they’re representing.
To get things going, the Springboks’ Siyamthanda Kolisi goes head to head with Argentina’s Pablo Matera and it’s you, the rugby365 readers, who will determine who will advance to the next round.
To cast your vote, simply head to our Instagram and Facebook and make your selection! It’s that easy.
Pablo Matera
Matera was handed the captaincy prior to Argentina’s European tour in November 2018 and he received a baptism of fire from the outset. Los Pumas returned to South America wounded after losses to Ireland, France and Scotland. Bring on the 2019 Rugby Championship and once again, Matera failed to taste success.
He had to wait for the 2019 World Cup to get that taste, as group stage victories over Tonga and the United States proved to be his only victories as skipper. He has led his country in 11 matches and produced just two victories – resulting in an 18% win record.
However, his ability to put his hand up when his team requires it, is what makes him a good captain.
Read more below…
Siyamthanda Kolisi
The date 9 June 2018 will forever be remembered as one of the most significant days in the history of the Springboks. It’s the day Siyamthanda Kolisi became the first person of colour to captain South Africa’s national rugby team.
The 61st Springbok captain led his side to a 42-39 victory over England at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. No-one, however, could imagine the way the next 18 months would be for Kolisi and the Springboks. Since his appointment, the Springboks have played 22 matches, winning 15 and losing just six matches, with a solitary draw thrown in the mix for good measure – that makes for a 68% winning percentage.
Sources: World Rugby, yoe91, Supersport, Die Hard Rugby
