Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth. Photo: MyPlayers.
Springbok fans overwhelmingly back Etzebeth for captaincy!
With Siya Kolisi’s availability in question, who will step up as Springboks captain? Etzebeth leads fan poll, but contenders remain.
Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth. Photo: MyPlayers.
The Springboks’ triumphant 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign has ignited a conversation around leadership as the team prepares for a new cycle. Fans have made their preference clear: a SARugbymag.co.za reader poll strongly favours veteran lock Eben Etzebeth to take the reins as captain.
Etzebeth isn’t a stranger to leading the national side. He served as the full-time captain in 2017 and has commendably filled the role on multiple occasions when Siya Kolisi was unavailable due to injury. Etzebeth’s ferocious physicality and unwavering commitment have made him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch and a respected leader within the squad.
Kolisi’s obligations create captaincy question
With Siya Kolisi’s club commitments with Racing 92 in Paris, his international availability is in question for certain periods. The opening Test of the year against Wales at Twickenham on 22 June falls outside the official Test window.
This means Racing 92 has no obligation to release Kolisi, leaving the Springboks to look for a South Africa-based player to captain the side in London.
Etzebeth’s popularity and his contenders
Etzebeth’s leadership potential resonates with fans, as evidenced by the SARugbymag.co.za poll where he garnered a substantial 63% of the votes. Sharks teammates Lukhanyo Am (20%) and Bongi Mbonambi (11%) were also in the running. Veteran prop Frans Malherbe, while receiving a smaller share of votes (5%), could be a dark horse in the captaincy conversation.
It’s worth noting that Mbonambi has captained the Springboks twice during the 2023 season, against Argentina and Romania. His experience at the helm should not be discounted.
Springboks: A pool of leaders
Frans Malherbe and Lukhanyo Am may not have worn the captain’s armband for the Springboks, but their seniority and impact are undeniable. Each brings a distinct leadership style from their experiences captaining their respective franchises.
The Springboks undoubtedly have a wealth of capable candidates, and the coaches will carefully weigh their options before making this significant decision.
