Springbok skipper search down to two names

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is set to reveal who will captain the team against Australia in their Rugby Championship opener in the coming week.

According to fresh reports the search for a new skipper has been narrowed down to two players.

Skipper search down to two

The Springboks want to start both Lukhanyo Am and Duane Vermeulen, and one of those two will captain the team in Siya Kolisi’s injury-enforced absence, according to Afrikaans Sunday newspaper Rapport.

Am is seen as a potential Springbok captain and was thrown into one in the British & Irish Lions series in 2021 when he captained the South Africa ‘A’ squad.

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Despite the fierce rivalry for places in the back row, Vermeulen is anticipated to play a key part in the World Cup and may be called upon to relieve Kolisi throughout the France-based competition.

Additionally, it has been claimed that the Springboks have decided on a back row for the Rugby Championship consisting of Bulls opensider Marco van Staden, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Vermeulen.

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Springboks squad

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Props: Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92)

Hookers: Joseph Dweba (Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks)

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Marvin Orie (Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster), Jean Kleyn (Munster)

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Evan Roos (Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (N/A), Jasper Wiese (Leicester)

Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks)

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), Damian Willemse (Stormers)

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls)