There have been reports that Siya Kolisi might be stripped of the captaincy. This is in the lead up to the Ireland Test series in June. I am finding it hard to find an emotion to this news. I suppose this puts me on the fence on the matter.
It's not just this that has hit the news. It is reported that the "old gaurd" will slowly be phasing out. 18 of the 33 that were part of the World Cup winning squad are over 30 years of age. Kolisi, himself, will turn 33 in June.
Rassie Erasmus has gone on the record to say, "...I prefer to have my captain locally based as that allows for more interaction." He also stated, "This is a unique situation and I think he (Kolisi) will play some test matches, he certainly wants to, but we are not sure about the captaincy."
There was a road map for each player that was set when Erasmus first took charge back in 2018. One big concern that was brought up regulary between 2019 and 2023 was the decrease in win ratio. It stood at 65%. This was the consequence of constantly chopping and changing like there's no tomorrow (as per Supersport).
When it comes to rebuilding of something, in this instance, a team, it is vital to keep the old parts to ensure stability. Removing these parts will completely decimate what was once a magnificent structure and sight.
When fleshing out the new breed, They need to be taught how to to do things on a more tougher level. Even if the new breed have many years of playing experiencing, playing on the international stage, it's a whole new kettle of fish. They will need mentoring. They will run around like sheep in a field if this doesn't take place.
This situation can be imagined like a band aid. Rip it off at one go and there will be nothing but screaming and crying. This will translate into bad performances and horrific results. Peel it slowly and softly and everything will be fine - mostly. Although there might be some bad results and poor performances, some new and rising stars will start to make waves on the field and possibly the news.
It would be stupid and idiotic to just throw away "old news." It should be common knowledge and sense that "old news" is important for the future. As I noted above, the young need to be mentored. There might be chaos if they are left to their own devices. Stupid fights might happen due to clash of ideas and plans. It can be a danger to society as well. This is because the fights and the reasoning could become public knowledge. With this, fights and arguements could erupt as a result.
There has been talk of who will replace Kolisi as the captain. There is favouring towards Eben Etzebeth. Yes, he would fill the requirement set out by Erasmus but I don't think this is a good idea. This is because he is part of the "old gaurd." As such, there is a chance that he will be phased out. If it's known that a player is slowly not going to get picked, there's no point in making him/her the captain.
I don't have a name in mind myself but I believe it's important to appoint a newbie. This is because he will come up with new ideas that can slowly be implemented under his guidance due to his young age. A popular example is the appointment of Graeme Smith as the Proteas (cricket) captain. He was aged 22 years and 82 days when he was appointed. There were rough patches and he was regarded as an inexperienced captain in the early days. He grew into the role and the pinnacle of the reign was the achievement that South Africa became the no. 1 ranked Test side in the sport. For those who are unaware, Test cricket is seen as the highest and therefore biggest level of the game.
I have made up my mind on the matter, having written and read a few reports. Kolisi should relinquish the captaincy. HOWEVER, this should be done in incriments. This is to ensure that the next one in line will have a foundation of knowledge that he can call upon when it's needed. When Kolisi steps away from the international game, the new captain will have to step up and take charge. He can't lean on anyone to share the burden or blame for something that happened e.g. a horrendous result or ugly play.