Rugby
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 7y

Siya Kolisi: Warren Whiteley is a proper leader

Rugby, Super Rugby

Siya Kolisi has backed Warren Whiteley as the new captain of the Springboks for the June internationals against France.

Lions loose forward Whiteley was named this week as the 58th captain of the Springboks by coach Allister Coetzee, a move that was met mostly with praise. But there were some whispers beforehand that Kolisi, who has led the Stormers in Super Rugby this season, might get the nod.

"He is a proper leader and has done really well with the Lions," Kolisi told reporters. "He has a lot of experience coaching the Lions, even through the time when they were struggling, and I believe all the guys are very happy with the choice." Kolisi says he had not entertained thoughts of leading the team.

"Right now I just want to earn my place in the Springbok side, that is my goal. To do that I know I have to perform every week and prove myself."

The 25-year-old admits that he found captaining the Stormers a daunting prospect at first, but has grown into the role.

"I was freaking out in the beginning, I'll be honest," he says. "I didn't really know how to go about things. But I have a coach [Robbie Fleck] who has backed me and my family has backed me.

"I am not a big talker, but I like to back up my words with actions on the pitch. You cannot talk [as a captain] and then not back it up. It means I have maybe got stuck in a bit more every week."

Kolisi will lead the Stormers against the Sharks in their latest Super Rugby encounter in Durban on Saturday, while the first test against France in on June 10.

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