Andre Esterhuizen is set to make history this weekend when he leads the Springboks against Australia, becoming the 68th captain in the history of South African rugby’s national team.
The centre has been handed the captaincy by Rassie Erasmus for the one-off Test against the Wallabies in Perth, as the Springboks prepare to take the field with a heavily rotated lineup.
Erasmus explained that Esterhuizen’s leadership qualities, experience and contribution to the squad made him the right choice for the occasion.
“He captained the Sharks, and he has brought so much to our squad off and on the field, both at centre and in the loose trio, and he thoroughly deserves this opportunity,” Erasmus said.
The Springbok coach also believes giving Esterhuizen the responsibility will strengthen the team’s wider leadership group.
Several players have worn the captain’s armband for South Africa in recent seasons, and Erasmus sees Esterhuizen’s opportunity as another way of developing leadership within the squad.
“We trust that he is the right man to take over the captaincy in this match,” Erasmus added.
Esterhuizen leads a much-changed Springbok side
The captaincy announcement comes alongside a significant reshuffle, with Erasmus making 13 changes to the starting XV.
The changes provide opportunities for several players who have been working hard in training and have featured during the Nations Championship or Rugby Championship.
Handre Pollard and Canan Moodie also return after recovering from injuries, adding further experience to a team that combines established internationals with players being given an opportunity to make their mark.
Erasmus said every player selected had earned the chance to feature.
“Each player in this squad has been working hard at training over the last few months,” he said, highlighting the quality available to the Springboks.
Du Toit and De Allende given time to rest
Erasmus also confirmed that Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende were released from the squad to get some much-needed rest.
The pair have carried a significant workload during the recent international season, and Erasmus said the decision was part of a plan made before the tour.
“They had a heavy workload in the last few months, and they deserve a break,” Erasmus explained.
The Springboks will face Australia at 11:45 South African time on Sunday, with the match being broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springboks team to face Australia
15 Aphelele Fassi
14 Edwill van der Merwe
13 Canan Moodie
12 Andre Esterhuizen (captain)
11 Ethan Hooker
10 Handre Pollard
9 Herschel Jantjies
8 Marco van Staden
7 Elrigh Louw
6 Paul de Villiers
5 Franco Mostert
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Zachary Porthen
2 Johan Grobbelaar
1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Jasper Wiese, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Quan Horn.
The spotlight will now fall on Esterhuizen as he prepares to lead South Africa for the first time, while Erasmus uses the Test to further develop the depth and leadership within his squad.
