Share

Bok captain: 'Whiteley an excellent choice'

Cape Town - Lions coach Johan Ackermann says whoever succeeds Adriaan Strauss as captain of the Springboks must be the best in their position.

Strauss dropped a bombshell on Thursday when he announced that he will retire from international rugby at the end of 2016. This has naturally started a debate about who should replace him when the time comes, with several players being named in the media as potential successors to the Bok hooker.

Lions captain and current Bok No 8, Warren Whiteley, is one of the names being mentioned, especially considering his closest rival as No 8 is the injured Duane Vermeulen. Vermeulen would have been a strong favourite to take over the reins had he not played his club rugby in France.

"Warren Whiteley has all the characteristics to become Springbok captain, but then there must be agreement that he is the best No 8 in the country," Ackermann told Netwerk24.

"Warren will be an excellent Bok captain, but we must first decide whether or not he is the best in his position. You don't want a situation where you have doubts over your captain and wonder whether he is the best in his position.

"The players will no doubt respond to Warren. He is an unbelievable guy on and off the field and he is also skilled in handling the media."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE