Springbok camp twitchy about 2019 World Cup captaincy
Siya Kolisi remains frontrunner after displaying his leadership skills in current Tests
If you want to hurl a hand grenade into the Springbok camp and disturb the tranquillity, just ask them about their World Cup captaincy plans.
It is a question that induces non-committal answers even as thoughts start to turn towards next year’s event in Japan.
Asked about this when he was in Port Elizabeth, Bok coach Rassie Erasmus got decidedly twitchy.
It’s million-dollar question on the lips of SA rugby fans and nobody seems to have the answer.
And if they do, they are holding it close to their chests.
With the Boks’ opening match at next year’s World Cup less than a year away, the captaincy issue is a hot topic.
Both Erasmus and current captain Siya Kolisi had to field questions about the World Cup when they were in Port Elizabeth preparing for the Australia Test.
Though Kolisi was given the captaincy honour for the series against England and the Rugby Championship, he has not been given a long-term appointment.
But he remains the frontrunner after showing his leadership skills during some tough times against England and also in the Rugby Championship.
The Springboks kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on September 21 in Yokohama.
When asked about who would captain his team in Japan, Erasmus was not giving much away.
He said Kolisi was a strong contender, but did not go as far as handing him the World Cup captain’s armband.
This has led to speculation that Duane Vermeulen, Warren Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth could be contenders for the Japanese showpiece.
“We can’t make that [captaincy] call right now," Erasmus said.
“You know, I could make that call now and then I’m not even there as coach next year. Look at how I was under the pump two weeks ago.
“Let’s take it week-by-week for now. Next year, going into the Rugby Championship, we should know who our captain is. But hell, going by what he’s done thus far, Siya is a strong contender.
“He’s been very impressive.
“Siya definitely has the potential. A big scene was made out of him getting the captaincy and becoming the first black African Bok captain in Test history in June.
“He had to handle a lot of extra pressure. His game almost suffered as a result.
“He’s upped his game since then. I don’t think people really appreciate all that he does.
“He’s creative with the ball and really good at the breakdown. His defensive stats are up there. He’s doing well in the mauls. He’s become a real allrounder.
“If he keeps on growing in this manner, he’s definitely going to be one of the options.”
When Kolisi was asked about the prospect of leading the Boks to glory in Japan, he said: “I have not really thought about that.
“I am just taking it one game at a time. For me that is not the most important thing. For me to be part of this team is special. Whether I am captain or not, there are so many leaders here that could be in this position.”
Kolisi, who became the first black Springbok captain in Test rugby, led the team to a 2-1 series win over England.
If a captaincy poll had been conducted at the Port Elizabeth Test last week, there would have been only one winner.
It would have been a hometown decision and they would have given Kolisi the job for life.
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