Siya Kolisi moves closer to breaking John Smit’s captaincy record with the Springboks in South Africa

Siya Kolisi, the inspirational Springbok captain, continues to solidify his legacy as a rugby icon.

With 92 Test caps under his belt, Kolisi remains a vital figure in South African rugby, and the national coaches are carefully managing his workload to ensure he stays fit for the 2027 World Cup.

Chasing a Captaincy Milestone

Kolisi currently ranks second on the all-time list for games as Springbok captain, with 61 matches led.

Ahead of him is the legendary John Smit, who captained the team in 83 Tests.

While Smit’s record once seemed untouchable, Kolisi might have a realistic chance of surpassing it if he remains healthy and continues his career through to 2027.

On average, the Springboks play 12 to 13 Tests in a non-World Cup year.

Although Kolisi won’t feature in every game due to injury management and rest, his consistent presence is likely.

In 2024, despite some time off, he still captained the team in nine games.

If this trend continues, he could accumulate another 15 to 20 caps before the 2027 World Cup, potentially bringing him within reach of Smit’s captaincy record.

Adjusting Roles for Longevity

A key factor in Kolisi’s longevity could be his transition to playing at No. 8 for the Sharks.

Rugby legend Schalk Burger highlighted that the position is less physically demanding than playing as an openside flanker.

“At No. 8, you can manage your workload better,” Burger explained.

“You save your energy for critical moments, unlike at flanker, where you’re constantly in the thick of it.”

This strategic shift not only helps preserve Kolisi’s physical health but also allows him to showcase his evolving skill set.

Sharks coach John Plumtree echoed these sentiments, noting that Kolisi’s transition to No. 8 enables him to play a freer, more dynamic game while still contributing with his ball-poaching abilities.

Reflecting on Kolisi’s Legacy

Kolisi’s journey as Springbok captain has already been extraordinary.

From leading the team to two World Cup victories to becoming a symbol of hope and unity for South Africa, his impact goes beyond rugby.

As he sets his sights on the 2027 World Cup, fans and experts alike will watch closely to see if he can achieve yet another remarkable milestone.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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