Why Rassie Erasmus turned to Andre Esterhuizen for the Springbok captaincy

The Springboks are coming off a gruelling four-Test series against the All Blacks, which has prompted Erasmus to ring the changes - 13 to be exact - for the encounter in Perth.

Regular captain Siya Kolisi is out of the matchday squad and while talisman Eben Etzebeth - who has captained on 12 occasions - is starting, Erasmus recognises the leadership skills in Esterhuizen. The midfield bulldozer was named Sharks captain last season and as somewhat galvanised the embattled franchise that is going through gorwing pains under new coach JP Pietersen.

"The way he has been carrying himself whilst being the Sharks' captain when they went through a tough time, I really thought he sort of pulled them together with JP and the whole set-up there," Erasmus told the press this week.

"What he has meant to us, serving the team a helluva lot and accepting his role as flanker or centre or playing off the bench, that's the kind of players we enjoy in the team. We could've just given the captaincy to Eben [Etzebeth] again, but we know what Eben brings as a captain.

"If we get a couple of injuries going forward into the World Cup and so on and we have to press on somebody's number, Andre will be another one.

"We feel he really deserves an opportunity. Being a Bok captain, you suddenly feel what it's like to lead a country, and you become better at supporting the other captain."

Esterhuizen will be the 68th Springbok captain when he leads the all-conquering Boks onto the turf at Optus Stadium.

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