Erasmus explains his captaincy decision
REACTION: New Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, who is also the Director of Rugby at the South African Rugby Union, said his two captains for the June internationals have the respect of their fellow players.
Stormers captain Siyamthanda Kolisi will lead the Springboks against England in the three-Test June series, while his Stormers teammate Pieter Steph-du Toit has been entrusted with the captaincy for this coming Saturday’s historic one-off Test against Wales in Washington.
Erasmus confirmed the appointments at a media briefing at the team hotel in Johannesburg on Monday.
“It’s a huge honour to captain the Springboks,” Erasmus said, adding: “Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players.
“I believe both of them will do a good job as captains.
“My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must, therefore, work extremely hard with that one goal in mind – to make the Springboks successful again,” Erasmus added.
Erasmus, who took over the coaching reins of the Springboks after his appointment in April, also confirmed the Springboks’ 26-man travelling squad for the Welsh encounter in Washington.
The squad members not involved in the Welsh match will stay behind in Johannesburg to continue with their preparations for the coming international season.
Born in Zwide township near Port Elizabeth, loose forward Kolisi has played in 28 Tests since making his debut, at age 22, against Scotland in Nelspruit on 15 June 2013.
He has four Test tries to his name.
Du Toit made his debut as a 21-year-old on 9 November 2013, against Wales in Cardiff.
He is equally at home as lock and as loose forward and has played in 32 Test for the Springboks – 21 as lock, 10 times as flank and once as No.8.
All except two of the 43 players reported for Springbok duty on Sunday in Johannesburg, where the squad immediately got their preparations underway for this weekend’s Test against Wales.
The experienced duo of Frans Steyn (centre) and Bismarck du Plessis (hooker) will join the Springbok squad next Monday, following the completion of their French club rugby commitments.
Erasmus will announce his starting line-up for the Welsh match on Wednesday, just a few hours before the 26-man squad fly out to Washington.
The Springbok squad to face Wales in Washington:
Forwards: Nizaam Carr, Dan du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain), Thomas du Toit, Jason Jenkins, Steven Kitshoff, Wilco Louw, Frans Malherbe, Mbongeni Mbonambi, Teboho Mohojé, Retshegofaditswe Nche, Sikhumbuzo Notshe, Marvin Orie, Mahlatse Ralepelle, Albertus Smith, Armand van der Merwe.
Backs: Curwin Bosch, André Esterhuizen, Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Elton Jantjies, Jesse Kriel, Makazole Mapimpi, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, Cameron Wright.
