Etzebeth captains Boks

Stormers strong man Eben Etzebeth will captain the Springboks in Warren Whiteley’s enforced absence.

Etzebeth, who has played more than 50 Tests, lead the side in the third Test against France. The Boks won easily to complete a three-nil series win.

Etzebeth, at the time, described leading the Springboks as the greatest day of his life.

Whiteley, the regular captain of the Lions, was appointed Springbok captain for the 2017 season but his international season so far has been limited to the first two Tests against France in Pretoria and Durban respectively.

He was a late withdrawal from he third Test and missed the last month of Super Rugby, including the Lions three home play-off matches against the Sharks, Hurricanes and Crusaders.

Whiteley had to watch from he stands as the Lions lost the final 25-17 at home to the Crusaders.

The inspirational Lions and Bok captain is unsure when he will again be available to play for the Springboks. He was being sent for further tests to determine if a further operation to the groin injury was necessary.

Etzebeth in 2017 was also the Stormers vice captain to flanker Siya Kolisi.