South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus must be thinking long and hard about who will lead his Springboks in the June Tests, starting in Washington DC against Wales on 2 June.
It seems that top candidate Warren Whiteley is not going to make the squad, which will be announced on Saturday, after failing to make the Lions team for this weekend's Super Rugby match against the Stormers.
It would have been the final opportunity for the No. 8 to showcase his fitness ahead of the important England series in South Africa.
Eben Etzebeth, who captained the Boks in the latter part of 2017, may be included in the squad for the Tests, but he too hasn't picked up a ball in a competitive match for a very long time.
So, with the Erasmus announcing his 40-man squad for the Tests against Wales and England on Saturday night, here are five candidates who could skipper the side.
Siya Kolisi
The Stormers flank was unlucky not to be given the nod last year, after Whiteley pulled up with a groin injury before the third June Test against France. Kolisi was playing some great rugby and was excelling in the Bok No. 6 jersey.
This year, however, Kolisi hasn't quite been in the same sort of form. He doesn't look like the player whose barnstorming runs, big hits, and tries led to a series whitewash over the French.
But his leadership qualities, popularity amongst all rugby-loving South Africans, and his honest assessments make him a very good candidate.
Kolisi is a guy who leads from the front and will definitely be up for the challenge of captaining his country.
Tendai Mtawarira
The Beast has been a fantastic servant of South African rugby over the past decade, and will be the most experienced player in Erasmus' group for the June Tests.
Last season front rower Mtawarira wasn't really assured of a start, as Steven Kitshoff was outperforming him in the green and gold jersey. This year, though, he has been in top form, because he is being managed properly.
However, the Beast's captaincy was criticised when he led the Sharks a few years back, as it also seemed to affect his game.
Duane Vermeulen
'Thor' is coming back home and it would certainly not surprise Bok fans if Erasmus hands him the hammer. Vermeulen has known Erasmus for years, and the coach must have played a big role in getting the player back from France.
He is a respected leader, having captained the Stormers to a Super Rugby playoff a couple of years back. He would also be assured of a place in the team at No. 8 in the absence of Whiteley.
Vermeulen is the type of captain who leads from the front, and that is the type of character the Boks need during their rebuilding process. However, he hasn't been part of the Bok planning recently, as he was concluding his commitments with Toulon.
Handré Pollard
Erasmus has hinted that Pollard might be the guy to lead the Springboks if players like Whiteley, Etzebeth, and Vermeulen aren't available to lead the team next month.
Pollard will certainly be a bold choice after only making his return to rugby late last year following an injury. It would probably be better to let him settle in at flyhalf, before giving the playmaker added responsibility.
But Pollard has a wonderful temperament and has shown a maturity that goes way beyond his 24 years. He is certainly captaincy material, and he might just bring in the fresh ideas needed to take South Africa to a new level.
Pieter-Steph du Toit
The Stormers man is not the talkative type, and is the sort of guy where actions speak louder than words. Sometimes this is the best approach when you really want to get the job done.
Du Toit is one of the best players in the world when he is on his game. His versatility makes him almost indispensable, as he can play lock and flank with the same brutality.
But his quiet demeanour might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially following on from the well-spoken, diplomatic Whiteley.