FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Rugby Championship - South Africa Captain's Run - Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg, South Africa - August 30, 2024 South Africa's Siya Kolisi during training REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko/File Photo
(Reuters) - South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will have a new role in the coach’s box during Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test in Argentina having been left out of the matchday 23 for the potentially decisive clash in Santiago del Estero.
The double World Cup-winning skipper was taken to Argentina as a back-up in the squad should any of the other flankers be unavailable to play and will be given a taste of what it is like to sit alongside coach Rassie Erasmus.
It is part of the latter’s plan to help senior players understand how and why decisions are made during matches and is something he has done before, notably with former number eight Duane Vermeulen during last year’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
"Siya was not brought (to Argentina) to play, but to be on standby if someone gets injured and also to help lead the team off the field," Erasmus told reporters on Tuesday.
"We want to get Siya into the coach’s box. He doesn’t know what happens up there and we want to give him a feel of how we come to a decision during a game. To understand how to interpret the information we send out."
Kolisi, who has been playing with a fractured nose, will likely be back in the team for the home game against Argentina in Nelspruit on Sept. 28 after which he will have an operation.
Erasmus has been impressed with Argentina, who have won away in New Zealand (38-30) and thumped Australia at home (67-27) already in this championship and are the only team who can catch the Springboks at the top of the table.
"We are playing against a team that has got their future in their own hands as well. They will go for it," Erasmus said. "But we are also very desperate and very proud. The older guys have told the younger boys what it will be like on the field.
"If you can come off the field in Argentina saying you gave everything, win or lose, you will be a better player.
"They (Argentina) have got the ability of making the game really fast and open, a lot of their players have come from the Sevens system. Then you have the tough boys up front. They have a blend of a solid pack of forwards and speed in the backs."
Erasmus also confirmed that flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has picked up a knee injury and will only be fit again for the autumn internationals in November.
(Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Ken Ferris)
