Andre Esterhuizen will lead the Springboks for the first time in the match against the Wallabies, which will take place in Perth on Sunday. Before this game, scheduled for 11:45 South African time, the Springboks team refused to discuss any issues concerning captain Andre Esterhuizen and his alleged racist comment made in his youth.
Esterhuizen was appointed the 68th captain of the world champions this week after head coach Rassie Erasmus made significant changes to the squad, which last played in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago. Although only two players remained from the original starting lineup, the decision to pass the captain's armband to Esterhuizen was made because regular captain Siya Kolisi, substitute Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jesse Kriel are not playing.
Erasmus explained that this decision is aimed at expanding the leadership group in the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. However, the Springboks' decision to appoint Esterhuizen as captain drew criticism on social media after details of the alleged racial offense incident involving the fast centre resurfaced.
In 2012, while an 18-year-old player for Clerksdorp School against Potchefstroom High School, Esterhuizen was found guilty of directing a racist insult towards Thabo Molete, who was then the head coach of Potchefstroom High School and coach of the Grant Khomo Leopards team.
Springboks avoid questions
At an online press conference on Saturday morning (South African time), Springboks media manager Zene Isaacs asked journalists to focus their questions to Esterhuizen and assistant coach Mzwandile Stikulu exclusively on playing matters. She appealed to the press not to touch upon topics covered in social media and insisted on respecting this request.
When Esterhuizen was asked about circulating articles, Isaacs intervened to shut down the topic, reiterating that questions on this matter would not be discussed at the press conference.
Esterhuizen embraces leadership role
Meanwhile, the large hybrid player stated that it is a great honor for him to lead the Bok team. He emphasized that despite receiving the captaincy role, the entire team remains the priority. Esterhuizen noted the presence of many leaders in the team who support each other, and that ultimately success is achieved through joint efforts on the field.
He added that he takes on this role with honor and is very pleased with it, but stressed that they are all one team. Mentioning Siya, he noted that he is an outstanding leader for the Springboks, and he had the opportunity to play with him in the Sharks, observing his composure regardless of the situation, as well as how he knows when to retreat and when to take the initiative.
