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3h ago

Esterhuizen Named Springboks Captain as Team Tests Hybrid Centre‑Forward Role

Erasmus is using the Perth Test to fast‑track multi‑position players as part of workload management for the 2027 World Cup.

Rugby Union - South Africa Captains Run - Twickenham Stadium, London, Britain - November 2, 2018 South Africa's Andre Esterhuizen during the captains run Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 22: Andre Esterhuizen of South Africa during the Castle Double Malt Greatest Rivalry Tour match between South Africa and New Zealand at 10bet Ellis Park on August 22, 2026 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
'I never expected it': Captain Esterhuizen on what it means to lead Springboks

Overview

  • André Esterhuizen will captain the Springboks for the one‑off Test in Perth and becomes the 68th player to lead South Africa.
  • Esterhuizen starts at centre but will adopt a hybrid role that could see him shift closer to the scrum in the second half to relieve forwards and shape calls.
  • Coach Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes to the side and is actively trialing multi‑positional options, including experimenting with hooker Malcolm Marx at flanker.
  • Esterhuizen will partner Canan Moodie in midfield and says his time doing forward work has changed how he reads the game and helps him lead without Siya Kolisi, who is rested.
  • The selection and tactical experiments follow a bruising 3‑1 series with New Zealand and are intended to manage player workload and build flexible depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup.