Etzebeth to captain Springboks in Whiteley's absence

Experienced lock Eben Etzebeth will captain the Springboks in the injury absence of Warren Whiteley, it was confirmed on Wednesday. Loose forward Siya Kolisi was named as the Springbok vice-captain.

Etzebeth led the Springboks in the last Test of the three-match series against France in June, when Whiteley was ruled out of action because of a groin injury.

Whiteley missed the remainder of the Vodacom Super Rugby campaign as a result of the injury, and he will be out of action for at least six more weeks, ruling him out for the opening part of the 2017 Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

Eben did an excellent job against France in Johannesburg, when he had to step in at short notice after the late withdrawal of Warren. He enjoys the respect of his team mates and also commands respect on and off the field,” said Springbok coach, Allister Coetzee.

“He is well supported by our strong leadership group which consists of Siya, Tendai Mtawarira and Elton Jantjies."

Etzebeth has played in 57 Springbok Tests since making his debut on 9 June 2012 against England in Durban, when he was 20 years old.

The Springboks start their campaign against the Pumas on 19 August in Port Elizabeth and then travel to Argentina a week later, for the return leg in Salta.