The Springboks refused to entertain any 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 (11.45am kick-off SA time) after it resurfaced ahead of the match.
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, but with regular skipper Siya Kolisi, stand-in Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jesse Kriel not playing, the decision was made to hand the armband to Esterhuizen.
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.
The Springboks’ decision to name Esterhuizen as captain came under fire on social media after details of an alleged racial abuse incident involving the hard-running centre resurfaced. In 2012, as an 18-year-old playing for Klerksdorp High School against Potchefstroom Gymnasium, Esterhuizen was found guilty of directing a racial slur at Thabo Molete, who was then first-team coach at Potchefstroom Gymnasium and coach of the Leopards’ Grant Khomo side.
Springboks avoid questions
At the start of the online press conference on Saturday morning (SA time), 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.
“Guys, just in advance, we are not dealing with the issue of the articles that are going around on social media and all sorts of things, so can I ask that you please stick to the game and ensure that all questions are game-related as opposed to all those other news articles that are going on around in South Africa. So please respect that,” she said.
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 embraces leadership role
The burly hybrid player, meanwhile, said it’s an honour to lead the Boks.
“I’m just going out with the captaincy role, but it’s still all about the team. We’ve got so many leaders that help each other. And ultimately, it’s what we all do together on the field.
“We play together, whether I’m talking, Eben’s talking, Siya’s talking… Yeah, so I’m taking it on as an honour, and I’m very happy about it, but ultimately, we’re all together as a team.
“If you look at Siya, he’s been a tremendous leader for the Springboks. And I’ve obviously played with him at the Sharks. Just to always see him composed and calm, doesn’t matter what the situation is, and obviously relying on the guys around him as well. He knows when to step back and when to step up. I think that’s something I’ve taken from him.”
