Erasmus Explains Why Kolisi Is Not Captain For All Blacks Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explained that Siya Kolisi was not named captain against the All Blacks at Eden Park because the team’s internal squad announcement was made before Kolisi’s fitness was confirmed.

Kolisi had missed the previous Rugby Championship test against Australia in Cape Town due to an injury last month.

The coaching staff, unsure if Kolisi would be fit in time, decided to announce the team internally on Sunday, with Jesse Kriel named as captain.

However, Kolisi’s condition improved unexpectedly, creating a selection headache. After a meeting with Erasmus, the Sharks flanker agreed that Kriel should remain the team’s skipper for this match.

Erasmus has named a settled side for the test at Eden Park on Saturday (9:05).

The most notable change is the return of South Africa’s most experienced player, Eben Etzebeth, to the starting lineup. He will partner with Ruan Nortje, earning his 136th Test cap. In the loose trio, Kolisi will return from his niggle, making his second start at No. 8, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will start at flanker.

In the backline, the only change is at fullback, where Willie le Roux will play his 101st Test after being forced to withdraw from the previous match against the Wallabies.

On the bench, Erasmus has made three personnel changes, opting for a 5-3 split of forwards and backs. Jan-Hendrik Wessels replaces Marnus van der Merwe at hooker, Kwagga Smith moves back to the bench, and utility back Ethan Hooker will earn his second Test cap in place of Andre Esterhuizen. In total, 17 players from the Wallabies match will feature in this squad.

“Me and Siya had a chat, and he came to me,” Erasmus said.

“Jesse was going to play, and Siya had to get through Monday’s training. We wanted to announce the team internally on Sunday already. Siya did well on Monday, and we had to see his stiffness on Tuesday, and we said, ‘No, he is actually ready to play, but the team has already been announced, Jesse is the captain.’ It was Siya’s suggestion, and the whole team understands it. Siya is our captain for the rest of the year.”

While Erasmus seemed to be trying to convince everyone of the decision, his demeanor suggested some hesitation.

The All Blacks announced their squad earlier, with Ardie Savea set to play his 100th match for New Zealand. Erasmus admitted that he had delayed his squad announcement and made tweaks after seeing the All Blacks’ team.

The Springboks face a formidable challenge against the All Blacks at Eden Park. Despite having won their last four matches against New Zealand, none of those victories have come at this iconic venue.

Eden Park has become a major talking point in the media, as the All Blacks have not lost there since 1994, with only two draws in their 50-test unbeaten run.

“I looked at the team they announced and the team we announced, and I think we’re both going with a 5-3 split,” Erasmus said.

“I think what they bring off the bench and what we bring off the bench is very much similar.”