Rassie explains Kriel captaincy for Springboks against All Blacks despite Kolisi return

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained his decision to keep the captaincy with Jesse Kriel for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park, despite the return to the starting line-up of regular captain Siya Kolisi.

Kolisi missed the second Test against Australia because of a knee injury but is back at No 8 for this crucial Rugby Championship encounter.

“Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up an injury a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily,” Erasmus said. “But with Jean-Luc du Preez having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No 8.

“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 added that Kolisi had magnanimously suggested sticking with Kriel as captain.

Kriel, who will be playing in his 83rd Test, has previously captained the Springboks in the warm-up match against the Barbarians, the first Test against Italy, and the second Test against the Wallabies.