Ahead of the Springboks Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks, Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that a decision on a permanent Springbok captain will only be announced in the months leading up to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Siya Kolisi has captained the Boks in the last six matches and he will be in charge for the remainder of the Rugby Championship. He has also been tipped to retain the captaincy until the end of year tour to Europe against England‚ France‚ Scotland and Wales.
“We have to be patient‚ but I like him and I back him. "There has to be a time when the announcement is made and I can’t tell you if it is going to be in days‚ weeks or months‚” said Erasmus.
Erasmus said Kolisi was overwhelmed by the response from the public after his appointment as the Springbok captain ahead of the series against England in June.
“He is definitely settling in‚" he said.
"During the England Test matches‚ there was the whole situation around him and it almost had an impact on his game.
"But now he is playing well and he is becoming better and better as captain.
"There will have to be a time where we announce the World Cup squad and the captain will also be announced.
"The guys who are in form will make that final 31 squad and currently‚ as everyone can see‚ we are trying to build a squad of 38-40 players who are capable.”
Erasmus said the fact that the recent defeats to Argentina and Australia have not affected Kolisi's performances shows his mental strength.
“The moment you start losing games‚ it is taught to look at positives and I fully agree with that‚" he said.
"But the way he has played‚ his carries and line breaks‚ he has been one of our consistent performers.
"He is growing into the role and we must be honest and say that he is going to make a few mistakes here and there.
"If he stays with the team until the World Cup‚ I think he will grow into a wonderful leader.
"He has been captain for six games and he is making us proud.”
Warren Whiteley, Duane Vermeulen and Eben Etzebeth have also been mentioned as potential captains while Erasmus gave Pieter-Steph du Toit the captains armband against Wales earlier this year.
Story via: timeslive
