The Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has confirmed that Siya Kolisi will captain the team during the two-Test series against Ireland in South Africa.

Last week Pieter-Steph du Toit was the captain of the Springboks during their 41-13 win against Wales in London.

Last week, Jacky Lorenzetti, the club owner of  French Top 14 team Racing 92, where Kolisi plays his rugby, criticised him for his form regarding his game and fitness.

Bok coach, Erasmus, said the two-time World Cup winning captain is fit and will play, while he will also continue to lead.

“Siya will be captain, and Siya will wear the number six jersey, Siya has no injury, and Siya is not fat. And, Siya is not transparent.”

Erasmus went on to explain that being the Springbok captain is never a given and it’s important to have competition for the position in the team. If a player is not happy with that, they won’t think twice about showing a player the door.

“Our motto is 'we fly in a v-formation', and we rotate, it's not always the same bird that flies in front, because he gets all the drag,” said Erasmus.

“So, it's not always Siya that flies in front, sometimes it's Pieter-Steph du Toit. Sometimes you must just fall in the back and honk in courage.

“If a player steps out of that v-formation and doesn't fall back into line and understands what we are trying to do, normally we will have a chat with him. Explain it to him, give him a chance to think about it, rectify his attitude and make sure it's healthy competition.

“We don't want him to give up his position, but rather we want him to fight for his position. I would say it's healthy competition for the role. Those guys who don't see it as a healthy competition we just work out.

“We give them a chance and explain to them and if they are 'suurgat' all the time, unfortunately there is no place for that in the Springbok team.”

The first Test will be played on Saturday, 6 July, at Loftus Versfeld.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport