As the clock ticks down to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, the question of who will succeed Siya Kolisi as captain of the Springboks is on everyone's lips. Steven Kitshoff, the former Springbok prop, has thrown a name into the ring, sparking debates and speculation across the rugby world. While Kolisi, set to be 36 by the next World Cup, has been a monumental figure in South African rugby since his captaincy debut in 2018, the search for his successor is fraught with uncertainty.
During a recent appearance on the "For the Love of Rugby South Africa" podcast, Kitshoff shared his insights into the leadership dynamics within the team. “Sometimes players get earmarked quite early in their careers, and I think we saw it with Siya when he started captaining the Stormers back in the day. People already knew he was going to be a great leader,” Kitshoff observed. He expressed concerns about the clear successor, “Currently, I’m not too sure who’s going to be the future captain. Jesse Kriel has done an exceptional job as a stand-in captain, but for me, there’s no standout guy who I think can take over next.”
"I think if Siya makes it to the 2027 World Cup, he’ll make it physically, but if he gets injured, I’m not sure who is going to be the guy who steps in."
Pressed to name a potential candidate, Kitshoff highlighted a less conspicuous but formidable leader. “If I had to put a name down, I’d say Ruan Nortjé from the Bulls. I think he gets the job. He does it at the Bulls exceptionally well, and he’ll probably be my standout guy if someone needs to be selected.”
Ruan Nortjé, who made his Springbok debut in 2022, has quickly accumulated 18 Test caps and garnered attention with his performances. However, his imminent move to Japan could throw a spanner in the works, given coach Rassie Erasmus's preference for locally-based leaders. Whether Nortjé's overseas stint will affect his chances remains a topic of intense speculation and debate among rugby fans and pundits alike.
As the sporting community continues to watch this space, the leadership baton in one of rugby’s most storied teams hangs in the balance, with big shoes to fill and even bigger games to win.
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As the clock ticks down to the 2027 World Cup in Australia, the question of who will succeed Siya Kolisi as captain of the Springboks is on everyone's lips. Steven Kitshoff, the former Springbok prop, has thrown a name into the ring, sparking debates and speculation across the rugby world. While Kolisi, set to be 36 by the next World Cup, has been a monumental figure in South African rugby since his captaincy debut in 2018, the search for his successor is fraught with uncertainty.
During a recent appearance on the "For the Love of Rugby South Africa" podcast, Kitshoff shared his insights into the leadership dynamics within the team. “Sometimes players get earmarked quite early in their careers, and I think we saw it with Siya when he started captaining the Stormers back in the day. People already knew he was going to be a great leader,” Kitshoff observed. He expressed concerns about the clear successor, “Currently, I’m not too sure who’s going to be the future captain. Jesse Kriel has done an exceptional job as a stand-in captain, but for me, there’s no standout guy who I think can take over next.”
"I think if Siya makes it to the 2027 World Cup, he’ll make it physically, but if he gets injured, I’m not sure who is going to be the guy who steps in."
Pressed to name a potential candidate, Kitshoff highlighted a less conspicuous but formidable leader. “If I had to put a name down, I’d say Ruan Nortjé from the Bulls. I think he gets the job. He does it at the Bulls exceptionally well, and he’ll probably be my standout guy if someone needs to be selected.”
Ruan Nortjé, who made his Springbok debut in 2022, has quickly accumulated 18 Test caps and garnered attention with his performances. However, his imminent move to Japan could throw a spanner in the works, given coach Rassie Erasmus's preference for locally-based leaders. Whether Nortjé's overseas stint will affect his chances remains a topic of intense speculation and debate among rugby fans and pundits alike.
As the sporting community continues to watch this space, the leadership baton in one of rugby’s most storied teams hangs in the balance, with big shoes to fill and even bigger games to win.