Rassie: André the Giant deserves captaincy

Rassie Erasmus has named André Esterhuizen as the Springboks captain for their upcoming match against the Wallabies in Perth. The 32-year-old inside center becomes the 68th captain in South African rugby history. Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting lineup following a victory over the All Blacks in Baltimore, retaining only lock Eben Etzebeth and winger Ethan Hooker.

Erasmus commended Esterhuizen for his versatility across both the backline and forward pack, as well as his prior leadership with the Sharks. Rather than reappointing previous captains like Etzebeth or Handré Pollard, Erasmus highlighted the selection as part of a strategy to broaden and strengthen the squad's core leadership group.