Kolisi to captain Boks against England, Pieter-Steph to lead against Wales

Siya Kolisi has been given the responsibility of Springbok captain for the England series, while Pieter-Steph Du Toit will lead the side against Wales, as Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus confirmed the appointment of his two respective captains on Monday morning and announced a 26 man squad for the Welsh test.

Also read “Kolisi should captain Boks in Whiteley’s absence”

Erasmus in confirming the appointment of the Stormers duo had the following to say,

“It’s a huge honour to captain the Springboks and Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players,” said Erasmus.

“I believe both of them will do a good job as captains. My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must therefore work extremely hard with that one goal in mind – to make the Springboks successful again,” added Erasmus.

While the squad of 26 travels to Washington to face Wales, the rest of the members will stay in Johannesburg to begin preparations for the upcoming internationals against England.

Kolisi leads the Stormers in Super Rugby and has played 28 tests since debuting at age 22, scoring 4 tries and being one of the Springbok’s most prolific players last year.

Pieter-Steph, who debuted at age 21 against Wales has since played 32 tests. 10 at flank, 1 at 8 and 21 at lock.

Only two of the squad’s 43 members, Frans Steyn and Bismarck Du Plessis, were unable to join the squad in Joburg for international preparation, due to club commitments. However the pair will join up with the side next Monday once their French Club commitments have been fulfilled.

Springbok Squad to face Wales (stats via Sport24)

Forwards (16):

Nizaam Carr (loose forward, Stormers, 5, 0)
Dan du Preez (loose forward, Sharks, 3, 0)
Pieter-Steph du Toit (lock, Stormers, 32, 20 – 4t)
Thomas du Toit (prop, Sharks, uncapped)
Jason Jenkins (lock, Bulls, uncapped)
Steven Kitshoff (prop, Stormers, 23, 5 – 1t)
Wilco Louw (prop, Stormers, 5, 0)
Frans Malherbe (prop, Stormers, 17, 0)
Bongi Mbonambi (hooker, Stormers, 14, 5 – 1t)
Oupa Mohojé (loose forward, Cheetahs 18, 0)
Ox Nche (prop, Cheetahs, uncapped)
Sikhumbuzo Notshe (loose forward, Stormers, uncapped)
Marvin Orie (lock, Lions, uncapped)
Chiliboy Ralepelle (hooker, Sharks 23, 5 – 1t)
Kwagga Smith (loose forward, Lions, uncapped)
Akker van der Merwe (hooker, Sharks, uncapped)

Backs (10):

Curwin Bosch (utility back Sharks, 1, 0)
André Esterhuizen (centre, Sharks, uncapped)
Warrick Gelant (fullback, Bulls, 2, 5 – 1t)
Travis Ismaiel (wing, Bulls, uncapped)
Elton Jantjies (flyhalf, Lions, 23, 203 – 2t, 38c, 39p)
Jesse Kriel (centre, Bulls, 29, 40 – 8t)
Makazole Mapimpi (wing, Sharks, uncapped)
Embrose Papier (scrumhalf, Bulls, uncapped)
Ivan van Zyl (scrumhalf, Bulls, uncapped)
Cameron Wright (scrumhalf, Sharks, uncapped)