Rassie Erasmus has revealed where captain Siya Kolisi will play for the Springboks this season
The 34-year-old was used at No 8 by Sharks coach John Plumtree throughout the 2024–25 season, with Phepsi Buthelezi, Vincent Tshituka and James Venter operating on the flanks.
“I like Siya at eight because of the skill set he has on attack,” Plumtree said.
However, Kolisi was picked at six by the Springboks in 2024, and Erasmus confirmed on Wednesday that’s where he’ll stay in 2025.
He is a nice option for us at No 8, like Kwagga [Smith], who is a six and an eight, with Evan [Roos] there, Jasper [Wiese] close to being ready, and Marco [van Staden] having played there too.”
Pointing to Kolisi, Erasmus added: “It’s more of a six position, that’s why we had Renzo [du Plessis] here. But with him, Marco, Kwagga and Jean-Luc [du Plessis] are still there, who can play eight, seven flanker as well.
“So, I think, ja, mostly at No. 6,” Erasmus confirmed.
Venter, who played for Free State from 2017 to 2021 before joining Edinburgh, is expected to join the squad in the coming days after being called up as injury cover.
“Boan comes through the Cheetahs ranks and the junior structures in South Africa, and he has also been very consistent for Edinburgh,” said Erasmus at Wednesday’s press conference in Johannesburg. “He knows what to expect from a scrummaging, mauling and lineout perspective, so we are pretty sure he’ll make it.”
Having made 80 appearances for Edinburgh in four seasons, Venter was on track to become Scotland’s latest kilted Saffa. However, the lure of the green and gold proved too strong.
