By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to keep the captaincy with Jesse Kriel for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park, despite the return of Siya Kolisi.
Kolisi missed the second Test against Australia because of a knee injury but he returns to start at No 8 against the All Blacks.
Erasmus said that with Kriel already appointed captain earlier in the week, the Bok coaches decided not to change course.
“Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily,” Erasmus said. “But with J-L [Jean-Luc du Preez] having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No 8.”
“At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way. He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.
“It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”
Erasmus also confirmed that the call to keep the captaincy with Kriel came from Kolisi.
The decision sets the stage for Kriel to lead the Springboks in one of the most hostile arenas in world rugby, with the Freedom Cup and a shot at history at Eden Park on the line.
Springboks team to face New Zealand at Eden Park
Springboks: 15 Willie Le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.