‘This is what a captain does’: Did Rassie Erasmus reveal the next Springboks skipper?
“Well done, man! You turned the whole game. This is what a captain does,” Springboks coach on Mbonambi’s performance in the RWC semifinal.
Earlier this year, outspoken Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus revealed that he prefers a South Africa-based Due to Siya Kolisi’s departure to Racing 92, the captain position is vacant. Siya Kolisi, the captain of the Springboks, signed a contract with Racing 92, a Top 14 team, in 2023 after the tenth Rugby World Cup.
Nevertheless, Siya Kolisi will be remembered in rugby annals as the second captain to win the World Cup twice, behind the legendary Richie McCaw of the All Blacks.
With the win, South Africa became the first side to win the World Cup four times. The Springboks had to make eight appearances before they achieved this feat.
WHO WILL BE THE NEXT SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN?
With only two months before the Springboks resume their home Test schedule for 2024, fans have been trying to connect the dots about the next Boks captain.
The straight-from-the-shoulder coach is yet to reveal who will succeed Siya Kolisi as the next Springboks captain. However, fans are more than convinced that Rassie Erasmus threw the biggest hint on Chasing the Sun 2, a Springboks Rugby World Cup five-part documentary series.
Following an emotional semifinal between England and the Springboks, Rassie Erasmus praised Bongi Mbonambi as an excellent captain. During the 16-15 victory over England, Mbonambi captained the team for 80 minutes and replaced Siya Kolisi as captain.
Although Hadre Pollard’s valor was crucial, Erasmus gave credit to Bongi Mbonambi for inspiring the boys to win. Erasmus praised the 32-year-old celebrity during the fourth episode of Chasing the Sun 2, saying, “Well done, man! The entire game was changed by you. This is the role of a captain. You never give up! You are deserving of dignity!
Since then, many supporters have been persuaded by Rassie Erasmus’ remarks that Bongi Mbonambi may also be among the Boks who are considered for captaincy.
OTHER POTENTIAL PICKS
Eben Etzebeth
However, Eben Etzebeth is also one of the front-runners for captaincy. He is currently the most-capped Springboks player with over 100 appearances. Eben Etzebeth has previously captained the Boks on 13 occasions. Will he be the next Springboks captain after the great Siya Kolisi?
Steven Kitshoff
Two-time Rugby World Cup winner Steven Kitshoff is another player Rassie Erasmus might turn to. The experienced Springboks prop boasts over 80 caps and an illustrious career. After one season in Ireland with Ulster, Steven Kitshoff is set for a sensational return to Stomers.
Lukhanyo Am
Dubbed the ‘best number 13 in the world,’ the Sharks centre is one of the fan favourites. However, the rumour mill believes his name will probably be thrown in the selection hat.
