Rassie Erasmus to rotate Bok captaincy around Kolisi

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has outlined a flexible leadership strategy for the Springboks, centered on veteran captain Siya Kolisi but deliberately rotating leadership during the demanding Test schedule.

While Kolisi will continue to lead when fully fit, Erasmus plans to relieve him during certain fixtures and trial other leadership options within the team.

Erasmus made it clear that Kolisi remains the primary captain: “If Siya is fit, healthy and in the best possible shape that he can be, I don’t think there will be a change this year.”

Nevertheless, with as many as 15 Tests on the agenda, he intends to give Kolisi strategic breaks to preserve his longevity.

Key fixtures—starting with the high-profile match against the Barbarians—will see vice-captain Cheslin Kolbe take on leadership duties.

Erasmus explained that other senior players like Damian de Allende might also be rested, with Andre Esterhuizen stepping up when necessary.

Erasmus highlighted emergent players such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Vincent Tshituka, both of whom have led in age-grade rugby, as potential captains in future matches.

“I also think it’s time to give some of the young blood the feeling of captaining the squad in certain Test matches.”