Two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will retain the captain’s armband when the world champions return to the field in the Castle Lager Incoming Series. The series kicks off against Ireland in Pretoria on Saturday, 6 July, as announced by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus on Wednesday.
Erasmus confirmed that Kolisi, who plays for French club Racing 92, will once again lead the team, ending speculation about a potential change in captaincy to a locally-based player. Kolisi guided the Springboks to Rugby World Cup glory in 2019 in Japan and 2023 in France.
“Siya will be the captain and will again wear the No 6 jersey,” said Erasmus. “He’s fit and isn’t carrying any injuries.” Erasmus also provided good news regarding injuries following the Test against Wales, which the Boks won 41-13: “Cheslin (Kolbe) has been cleared to play, and we’ll manage Edwill (van der Merwe), Faf (de Klerk), and (Makazole) Mapimpi this week, although they should be available for selection for the first Ireland Test,” Erasmus stated.
The coach added that wing Canan Moodie, who had surgery to repair a fractured finger earlier this month, could also return to the national team in the coming weeks.
With a mix of less experienced players and four potential debutants named in the 39-man squad announced on Tuesday, Erasmus emphasized the importance of building squad depth with an eye toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“We earmarked Jan-Hendrik Wessels from our Elite Player Development (EPD) system from under-15 level, when he was playing prop,” said Erasmus. “We don’t have control over where the franchises select the players, but with him being able to play hooker and prop, it offers us additional options among the forwards. Johan Grobbelaar was also one of the standout hookers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this season for the Vodacom Bulls. Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) has also come through the ranks, and he has been part of our structures before with the SA ‘A’ team. He understands our systems and slotted in with ease. We are at a stage where we are trying to expose players to the Springbok environment as much as possible.
“We had four new capped players against Wales, and we have four debutants in this squad – Phepsi Buthelezi, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Johan Grobbelaar, and Morne van den Berg. There could be a few more against Portugal if we achieve our goals against Ireland, so we could have a healthy new crop of national players later this season.”
Erasmus added: “Looking forward to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, the young players who put up their hands against Wales and during the Castle Lager Incoming Series will certainly be considered for selection.”
Regarding the two Tests against Ireland, Erasmus noted: “If there’s one team that has the upper hand, it’s them. We haven’t beaten them since 2016.”
