With Siya Kolisi sidelined again and many of the Springboks’ core players approaching the twilight of their careers, the question of long-term leadership has taken centre stage in South African rugby.
Kolisi, still the spiritual heartbeat of the Springboks, missed the Barbarians match and will sit out the Italy Test this Saturday. In his absence, Jesse Kriel has stepped up as stand-in captain, but with the 2027 Rugby World Cup fast approaching, the need for a new era of leadership is no longer hypothetical — it’s urgent.
🌍 The Boks Are Getting Older — And So Is Their Leadership Group
The Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup success was built on a golden generation: Kolisi, Vermeulen, Etzebeth, Pollard, Le Roux, De Allende, Marx — all of whom are either well into their 30s or approaching it fast.
South Africa’s leadership core is brilliant but aging, and the time has come to identify the next player who will lead not just on matchdays, but into a new identity for Bok rugby.
Jesse Kriel: The Trusted Stand-In, Not the Future?
With 79 caps and three World Cups under his belt, Jesse Kriel is as experienced as they come. Rassie Erasmus praised his maturity and emotional intelligence, making him a logical short-term stand-in. But at 31, Kriel is unlikely to lead the Boks into 2027 as the long-term captain.
He’s a dependable voice — but not the face of the next Springbok chapter.
Realistic Contenders for the Springbok Captaincy
🦁 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – The Breakout Bet
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is the bold choice — young, versatile, confident, and already carrying leadership experience from his age-group days. Captaining the Junior Boks and leading the Stormers backline with maturity beyond his years, Sacha is being groomed for something bigger.
Pros: Only 22, already being trusted in pressure situations, and possesses the poise of a natural leader. If South Africa wants to usher in a true new era, Sacha could be its figurehead.
Cons: Still unproven at senior Test level; a gamble if rushed.
Salmaan Moerat – The Groomed Successor
Moerat, 26, is widely viewed as the leadership project within the Springbok system. He captained SA U20 and the Stormers, and has been on Erasmus’s radar for years.
Pros: Young enough to carry the armband through 2027 and beyond, already trusted with responsibilities.
Cons: Needs to lock down a starting place and avoid injury setbacks.
💼 Damian Willemse – The Modern Leader?
Willemse has charisma, versatility, and growing influence. He represents the new generation: confident, multilingual, relatable, and media-friendly.
Pros: Marketable, intelligent, already a core player in multiple positions.
Cons: Leadership maturity still developing; not a traditional positional leader.
Eben Etzebeth – The Senior Statesman, Not the Long-Term Bet
Eben is a born enforcer and emotional fire-starter. He’s captained the Boks in the past and has 119 caps — but at 33, he’s nearing the end.
Pros: Total respect in the camp; could offer a transitional bridge.
Cons: Age, temper, and not ideal for modern public-facing leadership.
What the Boks Need in a Post-Kolisi Captain
The next Springbok captain must be:
- Young enough to lead through 2027 and beyond
- Available year-round (preferably domestically based)
- Fluent in Springbok culture and strategy
- Able to represent South Africa with grace off the field
In short, a Kolisi successor needs both gravitas and longevity.
🧭 Rassie’s Real Strategy: A Leadership Web, Not a Single Point
Rassie Erasmus is known for planning ahead — and his recent selections show he’s cultivating a web of leadership rather than betting it all on one figure. Players like Kriel, Etzebeth, Mbonambi, and even Pollard are being rotated through leadership duties while Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Willemse, and Moerat are being groomed for the future.
It’s a model built on resilience and redundancy — but come the crunch moments in 2026 and 2027, the Springboks will need one clear leader to unify the charge.
🏆 Who Takes the Torch?
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Salmaan Moerat currently stand as the two most realistic long-term captaincy options. Kriel and Etzebeth provide stability in the short term, but the Boks need fresh legs, fresh voices, and someone who can lead the team into a new generation without losing the DNA that made them champions.
Kolisi’s shadow will always loom large — but the right successor won’t imitate him. He’ll carry the torch forward in his own way.
💬 Who Do You Think Should Lead the Boks into 2027?
Let us know in the comments — and follow us for more deep dives into South African rugby’s next big questions.
