Jesse Kriel will captain the Springboks for the first time in their match against the Barbarians on Saturday. Siya Kolisi, who was originally set to lead the team, has been forced to withdraw from the game due to a late injury. This unexpected change has required coach Rassie Erasmus to make adjustments to the team’s lineup.
Kolisi’s Injury Forces a Late Change
Siya Kolisi’s withdrawal has come as a blow for both the team and fans. Kolisi, a key figure in the Springboks’ leadership, had been preparing to captain the team. However, an unspecified injury prevented him from participating in Saturday’s match.
The details surrounding Kolisi’s injury remain unclear, but it is evident that he will not be available for this game. Kolisi’s leadership and impact on the field have been instrumental for the Springboks, particularly in their successful 2019 Rugby World Cup campaign.
Marco van Staden Steps in for Kolisi
To replace Kolisi, Marco van Staden has been drafted directly into the starting lineup. Van Staden will join Vincent Tshituka and Jean-Luc du Preez in the loose trio. This change gives Van Staden an opportunity to showcase his skills in a starting role.
While Kolisi’s absence is a significant loss, the rest of the squad remains unchanged from the lineup announced earlier by Erasmus. This stability across other positions will ensure that the team remains strong despite the late change in leadership.
Kriel’s First Chance as Springbok Captain
This Saturday’s match marks Jesse Kriel’s first time captaining the Springboks. Kriel, with 79 Test caps, has been a reliable presence in the backline for years. He has played at both centre and wing, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Although he has previously been given the vice-captaincy, this is the first time Kriel will step into the captaincy role. Rassie Erasmus had already expressed his desire to hand Kriel more leadership responsibilities this year. With Kolisi sidelined, Kriel now has the chance to lead the team in a key match against the Barbarians.
Kriel’s calm and composed nature on the field makes him a natural leader. This game will allow him to display his leadership qualities and set the tone for future opportunities. Erasmus also hopes that this match will give younger players a taste of leadership, preparing them for the responsibilities of captaining the team in the future.
Erasmus on Springbok Leadership
Coach Rassie Erasmus has previously discussed the importance of developing leadership within the squad. While Kolisi remains the team captain, Erasmus has looked at several other players to step into leadership roles. Players such as Pieter-Steph Du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, and Salmaan Moerat have all served as captains at various points, showing the depth of leadership within the squad.
“We want to give the younger players the chance to lead when the time is right,” Erasmus said. “Jesse has earned this opportunity, and it’s important to expose him to leadership now.”
Erasmus also hinted that the captaincy may be rotated in the future to allow various players to gain experience in the role. This approach would ensure that leadership remains strong and versatile within the squad.
The Springbok Team for the Barbarians Clash
Despite the changes in leadership, the Springboks’ starting lineup remains formidable. Aphelele Fassi will start at full-back, while Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse will add pace and flair on the wings. In the midfield, Jesse Kriel (captain) will partner with Damian de Allende.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will control the game at fly-half, with Morne van den Berg at scrum-half. The forward pack will see Jean-Luc du Preez, Marco van Staden, and Vincent Tshituka in the loose trio, while Lood de Jager, Jean Kleyn, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche round out the forwards.
The substitutes bench includes Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Neethling Fouche, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen. Each of these players will provide valuable support when needed.
A Big Opportunity for Kriel
Although Siya Kolisi’s injury is disappointing, Jesse Kriel’s leadership will be a key storyline in Saturday’s match. Kriel will be leading a talented team with a deep pool of experienced players. This game presents an important opportunity for Kriel to showcase his leadership, and it could be a stepping stone for future captaincy opportunities.
As the Springboks look toward the future, this match against the Barbarians will give both Kriel and younger players a chance to step into leadership roles. Fans will be eager to see how Kriel leads the team in this significant fixture.
Check also: Springboks Eye Marnus van der Merwe to Fill Crucial Hooker Role
Saturday’s match against the Barbarians is more than just a game – it is a crucial moment for Jesse Kriel. This is his first time captaining the Springboks, and the team will look to him to guide them through what promises to be an exciting contest. While Kolisi’s absence is unfortunate, the Springboks remain a formidable force. With the leadership of Kriel and the support of his experienced teammates, they will be determined to continue their strong form.