Bold call on Siya Kolisi captaincy successor
When considering who could take over the captaincy from Siya Kolisi one day, a former Springbok has made a bold prediction.
Black News 
After the 2027 World Cup, it’s widely expected that the Springboks will begin a rebuilding phase as many senior players are set to retire, which is likely to include the legendary Siya Kolisi.
The 34-year-old will go down as one of the greats of the game, and it will be no easy task to replace him both as a captain and player.
Although there are numerous other leaders in the squad, the likes of Bongi Mbonambi, Handre Pollard, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Jesse Kriel are all approaching their mid-30s and won’t be seen as long-term captaincy successors.
Who else could take over captaincy role from Siya Kolisi?
Salmaan Moerat has already captained the Springboks on three occasions, and the 28-year-old has age on his side, but the big question is whether he would be assured of a starting position.
Rassie Erasmus has already admitted that star flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu shows ‘captaincy material’, but he seemed to struggle with that extra responsibility at the Stormers this season, and so it would be unlikely that this role would be feasible at Springbok level at such an early stage of his senior career.
Unexpected, but viable, alternative option
Interestingly, former Springbok prop Steven Kitshoff has earmarked a future captain who has already impressed in national colours and as a leader for the Bulls.
“Currently, I’m not too sure who’s going to be the future captain. 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,” Kitshoff commented.
“If I had to put a name down, I’d say Ruan Nortje 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.”
