Siya Kolisi, the Springboks’ iconic captain, has earned a remarkable 92 Test caps over his career.

But as he looks towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup, the national coaching staff are focused on managing him carefully to ensure he stays fit and ready for the long haul.

One key milestone that’s within reach is his position on the all-time list of Springbok captains.

Kolisi Closes in on John Smit’s Captaincy Record

Currently, Kolisi holds second place on the list of most Test matches as Springbok captain, with 61 games leading the team.

Only John Smit, with 83 Tests, sits above him.

Given Kolisi’s age and the potential of playing until 2027, there’s a real chance he could break this record before he calls time on his international career.

If Kolisi plays regularly through to 2027, he has the potential to captain the team in a significant number of Tests.

n a typical non-World Cup year, there are about 12 or 13 Tests.

Even though Kolisi may not feature in every game due to injuries or rest periods, he’s expected to play a prominent role.

For instance, in 2024, Kolisi was rested for certain matches but still appeared in nine Tests.

If he stays injury-free, it’s realistic to expect him to play in at least seven or eight Tests each year.

By 2027, this could bring him to around 76 Tests as captain—closing in on Smit’s record.

How Close Could Kolisi Get to Breaking the Record?

Considering Kolisi’s injury challenges during the 2023 season, where he missed significant time but still captained the team in eight Tests, his resilience and leadership are clear.

By 2027, it’s very likely that he will be within striking distance of Smit’s 83-Test record or even surpass it.

It’s exciting to think about how Kolisi could leave a lasting legacy as Springbok captain.

Siya Kolisi’s New Role at No 8 with the Sharks

In recent times, Kolisi has transitioned to playing at No 8 for the Sharks, a position that could extend his international career.

Former Springbok Schalk Burger noted that No 8 is less physically taxing than openside flanker, allowing players to conserve energy while still contributing effectively on the field.

Burger pointed out that at No 8, players can “pick their battles,” saving their energy for key moments rather than constantly working at full intensity, as they would in the openside flanker role.

For Kolisi, this change could mean a longer career without sacrificing his on-field effectiveness.

The Benefits of Kolisi’s No 8 Move

Sharks coach John Plumtree also sees this move as a smart one for Kolisi, particularly when it comes to unleashing his running game.

At No 8, Kolisi may have more opportunities to influence the game, including making key poaching efforts at the tackle area, something typically reserved for players in this position.

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

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