Rassie Erasmus has explained why Jesse Kriel, and not Siya Kolisi, will lead the Springboks in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Kolisi returns from injury to start at No 8, but Erasmus said that with Kriel already appointed captain earlier in the week, the Bok coaches decided not to change course.
“Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily,” Erasmus said. “But with J-L [Jean-Luc du Preez] having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No 8.
BOK TEAM: Kolisi back at 8, Kriel retains captaincy
“At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way. He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.
“It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”
Erasmus also confirmed that the call to keep the captaincy with Kriel came from Kolisi.
“Jean-Luc du Preez was originally selected to play at no.8 but injured a knee during training.”@MattP555 explains why Jesse Kriel has been named captain, while Siya Kolisi will start in the 8 jersey at Eden Park.#SSRugby | #TheRugbyChampionship pic.twitter.com/ZBu1Z0kB8s
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) September 4, 2025
The decision sets the stage for Kriel to lead the Springboks in one of the most hostile arenas in world rugby, with the Freedom Cup and a shot at history at Eden Park on the line.
MORE: History beckons for Boks in Auckland
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
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