VIDEO: The player who is a 'shoo-in' for Bok captaincy
SPOTLIGHT: Bobby Skinstad has explained the least disruptive path to selecting a Springbok captain should Siya Kolisi not be available.
The Test season is just around corner and fans and pundits have been playing selector as Rassie Erasmus starts a new four-cycle.
The captaincy has been one of the areas up for debate ever since Erasmus hinted that he prefers to have a leader based locally.
Kolisi is based in France with Racing 92, but he will still be topping the list of candidates if he is fit and available for selection.
However, Skinstad has a player in mind that can fill Kolisi’s shoes.
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“In the modern era the role of captain is evolving so quickly that there are always different factors,” said Skinstad during a United Rugby Championship media round table.
“I think you’ve got a fantastic shoo-in captain in Eben Etzebeth.
“He’s been involved in the senior leadership. He is a fantastic leader anyway and he’s aligned with Rassie and he is aligned with the coaches and with what the Springboks want to achieve.
“He has been involved in some really big games against Ireland and New Zealand recently and he knows the level of performance that you need to perform at to win international Test matches.
“If I was looking for the least disruptive path and Siya is not available and not playing, then for me he is certainly a good option.”
The Springboks will kick off their Test season with a match against Wales at Twickenham Stadium on June 22.
The Boks will then head into a two-Test series against Ireland in July before a one-off Test against Portugal.
The Rugby Championship starts on August 10 with the Wallabies hosting Erasmus’ side for the first two rounds.
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