Siya Kolisi will captain the Springboks in the three-Test series against England, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead the side against Wales.
Bok coach Rassie Erasmus confirmed the two appointments on Monday morning at a media conference at the team hotel in Johannesburg.
Erasmus also confirmed the Springboks’ 26-man travelling squad for Saturday’s Test against Wales in Washington DC.
The squad members not involved in the Welsh match will stay behind in Johannesburg to continue with their preparations for the coming international season.
Erasmus congratulated Kolisi and Du Toit on their respective appointments. Both men will captain the Springboks for the first time.
‘It’s a huge honour to captain the Springboks and Siya and Pieter-Steph are two honest, hardworking men who enjoy the respect of their fellow players,’ said Erasmus.
‘I believe both of them will do a good job as captains. My philosophy is that each player must take responsibility for his position and must therefore work extremely hard with that one goal in mind – to make the Springboks successful again.’
Born in Zwide township near Port Elizabeth, loose forward Kolisi is also the Stormers captain and has played in 28 Tests since making his debut at age 22 against Scotland in Nelspruit on 15 June 2013. He has scored four Test tries.
Du Toit made his debut as a 21-year-old on 9 November 2013 against Wales in Cardiff. He is equally at home as lock and as loose forward and has played in 32 Tests for the Springboks – 21 as lock, 10 times as flank and once as No 8.
All except two of the 43 players reported for Springbok duty on Sunday in Johannesburg, where the squad immediately got their preparations under way for this weekend’s Test against Wales. The experienced duo of Frans Steyn (centre) and Bismarck du Plessis (hooker) will join the Springbok squad next Monday following the completion of their French club rugby commitments.
Erasmus will announce his starting lineup for the Wales match on Wednesday, just a few hours before the 26-man squad flies out to Washington.
Springbok squad for Wales Test:
Forwards: Nizaam Carr (Stormers), Dan du Preez, Pieter-Steph du Toit (Stormers), Thomas du Toit (Sharks), Jason Jenkins (Bulls), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Wilco Louw (Stormers), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Oupa Mohojé (Cheetahs), Ox Nche (Cheetahs), Sikhumbuzo Notshe (Stormers), Marvin Orie (Lions), Chiliboy Ralepelle (Sharks), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Akker van der Merwe (Sharks).
Backs: Curwin Bosch (Sharks), André Esterhuizen (Sharks), Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Travis Ismaiel (Bulls), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Embrose Papier (Bulls), Ivan van Zyl (Bulls), Cameron Wright (Sharks).
Photo: Anne Laing/HM Images
