Why is Eben Etzebeth – and not Siya Kolisi – captain?

Demotion? Siya Kolisi has been benched as a sub for the first time since 2019 as Eben Etzebeth becomes Springbok captain against Scotland.

Nov 10, 2024 - 15:00

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Why is Eben Etzebeth – and not Siya Kolisi – captain?

Siya Kolisi will take a back seat – or a “demotion” as some rugby fans call it – as his best friend and colleague, Eben Etzebeth, takes his title as Springboks captain in their game against Scotland on Sunday, 10 November.

That’s because Siya has been placed on the bench – or “bomb squad” by coach Rassie Erasmus.

Eben is the Boks’ highest-capped player in history. Meanwhile, Siya will make his 89th test appearance for the squad.

RASSIE ON WHY SIYA KOLISI IS NOT SPRINGBOKS CAPTAIN

Speaking from Edinburgh, Rassie Erasmus explained the reasoning behind his complex line-up, including his 7-1 split. This included placing a few forwards – like Siya Kolisi on the bench. On the flip side, Kwagga Smith – who will be playing his 50th test – will move from the “bomb squad” to the starting line-up.

Rassie said in a press conference: “Kwagga is playing his 50th test. Whenever somebody is playing on a special occasion, we try to make it special for them.“When we decided to start him, we also decided to give a bunch of other players a start with an eye on the future. We know what the guys playing off the bench can do.

Hinting at Siya Kolisi’s “demotion,” he added: “Eben is naturally our captain because Siya is playing from the bench.”

✅Kwagga Smith to bring up 50 Test caps.
✅Eben Etzebeth captain, with Siya Kolisi on the bench.
✅ Franco Mostert returns after injury struggle.
✅ Willie le Roux starts, closes in on 100 Test caps.
✅The 7-1 bench split is back. https://t.co/tTpw6jMzBb
— Mariette Adams (@MarietteAdams_) November 8, 2024

In rugby, a captain is required to be on the field at all times, as they are the only player who is permitted to communicate with the referee.

Siya Kolisi was last named as a substitute in the Rugby World Cup 2019 pool match against Namibia.

EBEN ETZEBETH: HOW MANY CAPS DOES HE HAVE?

Eben Etzebeth will play his 129th test match in the Springboks vs Scotland game on Sunday.

Bizarrely, Springbok fans predicted Eben – fondly known as “Elizabedi” – would succeed Siya Kolisi as captain following the latter’s divorce news last month.

Kwaphela kanjalo ubuCaptain. Boks are family orientated and they want a happily married family man to be the face of the squad. Oh phakama Eben ????????????⚰️
— ???????? ???????????????????????????? ???? (@Akhona_PQ) October 22, 2024

It will be Siya’s first Bok appearance since the bombshell announcement.

DOES SIYA KOLISI DESERVE TO BE BENCHED?

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