Who Will Lead the Springboks?

As the Rugby Championship approaches, the Springboks are searching for a new captain to take over from Siya Kolisi. With Handre Pollard out of the competition, several players are in the running for the captaincy. In this article, we’ll examine the top contenders and their leadership credentials.

Eben Etzebeth

Many experts believe that Eben Etzebeth is the leading candidate for the captain’s armband. The powerful lock recently earned his 100th cap for the Springboks and has consistently delivered strong performances on the field. Etzebeth has the added advantage of having played under Kolisi at both the Sharks and the Boks, and his on-field leadership qualities make him a strong contender.

Lukhanyo Am

Another possible candidate is center Lukhanyo Am, who is known for his exceptional game-reading abilities, scintillating runs, and solid defense. He has experience captaining the Sharks and leading the Springboks’ SA ‘A’ team to a victory over the British & Irish Lions. Am’s proven leadership skills make him a serious contender.

Steven Kitshoff

Prop Steven Kitshoff is a powerful scrummager and has led the Stormers to two home United Rugby Championship finals, one of which resulted in a URC title in 2022. He is also the only player on this list who has regular experience as a club captain. Kitshoff’s experience, skills, and leadership make him a strong contender for the captaincy.

Wildcards: Vermeulen, du Toit, and de Allende

A number of other players have also been mentioned as possible candidates for the captaincy. Duane Vermeulen’s legendary status gives him an edge, but his current form is overshadowed by Jasper Wiese. Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende are both experienced players and strong squad leaders, but they may not be the best fit for the captaincy.

Ultimately, the coaching staff will need to weigh each player’s strengths and determine who is the best fit for the captaincy. Eben Etzebeth, Lukhanyo Am, and Steven Kitshoff are the top contenders, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the table. The other players mentioned may be better suited as squad leaders rather than captains. Whoever takes over the captaincy will need to lead the team with strength, resilience, and a never-say-die attitude.