Kolisi should lead the Boks in Whiteley and Etzebeth’s absence

Mark Keohane for Sport24

Warren Whiteley, when he is fit, will be the Springbok captain. The chances of him being ready for the June 2 international season opener against Wales and the June 9 Test against England in Johannesburg are not good.

So, who captains the Springboks in the absence of the injured 2017 Springbok captains Whiteley and Eben Etzebeth?

Siya Kolisi is the Stormers captain and he was one of the best and most consistent Springboks in 2017. His form has not reached a similar standard in this year’s Super Rugby but Kolisi has a history of lifting his game to another level in Tests. His form could also turn around in a different environment.

Everything would point to Kolisi being the next player in line to lead the Springboks. Rugby, as a sport in South Africa, would take the most significant of transformation leaps with the appointment of Kolisi as captain.

And here I have to emphasise that a transformation leap is not to be read as anything but a player being rewarded for his leadership, skill and ability, who just happens to be black. I am not promoting the selection of the Springbok captain because he is black.

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