The Springboks have refused to entertain questions surrounding captain André Esterhuizen and his reported racial comment made as a schoolboy in the build-up to Sunday’s Test against the Wallabies in Perth. Esterhuizen was named as the 68th captain of the world champions this week after head coach Rassie Erasmus made sweeping changes to the side that last played in Baltimore a couple of weeks ago. Only two players from that starting XV remain in the run-on side.
Esterhuizen was found guilty of directing a racial slur at Thabo Molete, a coach at Potchefstroom Gymnasium, during a school match in 2012. The incident has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms ahead of the match. Despite the controversy, Erasmus explained that it is with a view to expanding the leadership group within the squad ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia that Esterhuizen was handed the armband.
The Springboks’ decision to name Esterhuizen as captain came under fire on social media after details of the alleged racial abuse incident resurfaced. At the start of the online press conference on Saturday morning, Springbok media manager Zeena Isaacs called on journalists to keep their questions to Esterhuizen and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick focused on matters on the field. Isaacs asked that questions be limited to game-related topics.
When Esterhuizen was asked a question about the articles doing the rounds, Isaacs stepped in to shut it down, again saying that questions around them would not be answered in the media conference. Esterhuizen, meanwhile, said it’s an honour to lead the Boks and that he’s taking it on as an honour, but ultimately, it’s what the team does together on the field that matters.
The burly hybrid player added that he has learned from regular skipper Siya Kolisi, who has been a tremendous leader for the Springboks. Esterhuizen said he admires Kolisi's composure and calmness, and his ability to know when to step back and when to step up. He emphasized that the team has many leaders who help each other.
Rassie Erasmus has made 13 changes for Sunday's one-off Test against Australia in Perth, handing the captaincy to André Esterhuizen. The Springboks' new-look loose trio is ready for a massive breakdown battle against the Wallabies, with height, carrying ability, and breakdown expertise key to their plans.
The Wallabies, under Les Kiss, are expected to move Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to the back three to counter the Springboks' relentless tactical kicking game with his 1.96m frame. Esterhuizen will lead the Springboks in their endeavour to overcome the Wallabies in Perth on Sunday at 11:45 am SA time.
Key points
- André Esterhuizen to captain Springboks against Wallabies despite reported racial comment as a schoolboy.
- Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus explains Esterhuizen's captaincy as part of expanding the team's leadership group ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
- Esterhuizen and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick will only answer game-related questions ahead of the Test match.
