Did Rassie Erasmus reveal who will be shortlisted Boks for captaincy?
“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 captain, leaving the position vacant after Siya Kolisi’s Racing 92 move. In 2023, Springboks captain Siya Kolisi joined Top 14 outfit Racing 92 after the tenth edition of the Rugby World Cup.
However, against the Rugby World Cup win, Siya Kolisi went down in the game’s history books as the second captain to lift the Rugby World Cup twice after All Blacks legend Richie McCaw.
The win also saw South Africa becoming the first team to win the World Cup four times. The Springboks achieved this feat in eight appearances.
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 a great captain. Mbonambi played 80 minutes and took the captaincy from Siya Kolisi during the 16-15 win against England.
Hadre Pollard’s heroics made the difference, but Erasmus praised Bongi Mbonambi for leading the lads to victory. During Chasing the Sun 2 episode four, Erasmus said to the 32-year-old star, “Well done man! You turned the whole game. This is what a captain does. You don’t give up! You deserve respect!”
Rassie Erasmus’ sentiments have since convinced many fans that Bongi Mbonambi might also be one of the shortlisted Boks 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.