Siya Kolisi to captain Springboks against All Blacks as Pieter-Steph du Toit reaches 100 Tests

Siya Kolisi will captain South Africa in Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town after recovering from injury, with coach Rassie Erasmus saying the decision will also ease the pressure on Pieter-Steph du Toit during his 100th appearance for the Springboks.

Kolisi was initially listed alongside Paul de Villiers at No 6, with his involvement dependent on how he came through training. He completed both Monday and Tuesday’s practice sessions and has now been confirmed in the team for the match.

When South Africa’s side was announced on Monday morning, Du Toit was named captain in Kolisi’s absence. Erasmus said that arrangement was made to allow Kolisi to concentrate fully on his recovery and preparation, rather than because of any change in the leadership hierarchy.

“Pieter-Steph just took the captaincy for us on Monday so Siya could fully concentrate on his recovery and his work, and I had a chat with Pieter-Steph today, and he agreed [with Kolisi taking over captaincy responsibilities],” Erasmus said.

The coach believes Du Toit should be able to focus entirely on his performance as he reaches the significant milestone in Cape Town.

“In this match you probably don’t want captaincy responsibilities, with the 100 to think about, and on top of that needing to play well, so Siya is our captain.

Erasmus also rejected the idea that Kolisi’s return was simply a selection decision based on his role in the side. Instead, he highlighted the influence the captain has on the wider squad, both during matches and away from the field.

“The 23 guys who played together against Argentina played really well, and it’s not just his game that is good, he’s a very inspirational person who means a lot to this team on and off the field.”

Kolisi’s return means South Africa will go into the second meeting with the All Blacks with the captain who led the side before Du Toit was asked to take over temporarily. Erasmus’s comments make clear that the change was planned as soon as Kolisi was fit enough to play.

The captaincy decision comes as the Springboks prepare for a demanding Test in Cape Town. Although Du Toit will still be central to the team’s efforts, Erasmus believes the responsibility of leading the side should return to Kolisi rather than sit alongside the attention surrounding Du Toit’s landmark appearance.

The match is South Africa’s second Test against the All Blacks, while the squad also includes the 23 players who performed strongly against Argentina. Erasmus said that performance showed the group had played well together, but stressed that Kolisi’s value extends beyond his contribution as a player.

Kolisi will therefore resume the captaincy for Saturday’s contest, with Du Toit able to mark his 100th Test without the additional demands of leading the Springboks.