"Bombshell" - Siya Kolisi stripped of Springbok captaincy ahead of All Blacks clash

Thursday, 04 September 2025 at 07:43

byRugby Rucker

In stepping away from rugby, he demonstrates that legacy doesn’t always mean following in the same footsteps—it can also mean finding your own path.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has kept faith with his trusted combinations for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with the All Blacks at Eden Park, making only four changes to the side that beat the Wallabies in Cape Town. Jesse Kriel retains the captaincy.

Eben Etzebeth returns to the second row for his 136th Test alongside Ruan Nortje. Siya Kolisi is back at No. 8 after shaking off a niggle, while Pieter-Steph du Toit comes in on the flank. The only backline switch sees Willie le Roux reclaim the fullback jersey for his 101st Test.

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On the bench, Jan-Hendrik Wessels replaces Marnus van der Merwe, Kwagga Smith shifts to impact duty, and Ethan Hooker gets another opportunity. Seventeen of the players from the Wallabies win are retained.

“We selected the best possible team we could for the match, knowing this will be an epic encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park,” Erasmus said. “The history and rivalry speaks for itself. There are records on the line, so we expect a proper grind.”

The Boks last won at Eden Park in 1937, while the Freedom Cup is also on the line. Erasmus also saluted Ardie Savea’s 100th Test: “He’s been a true servant to New Zealand rugby, and he deserves all the recognition.

Erasmus said the decision to give Kriel the captaincy was down to uncertainty around Kolisi’s ability to play due to injury concerns.

“Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily, but with Jean-Luc du Preez having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No.8,” he said.

“At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way.

“He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.”

Line-ups:

New Zealand: Jordan; Narawa, Proctor, J. Barrett, Ioane; B. Barrett, Christie; Sititi, Savea, Parker; Vaa’i, S. Barrett (c); Newell, Taylor, de Groot.
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Williams, Lomax, Holland, Kirifi, Preston, Tupaea, McKenzie.

South Africa: Le Roux; Kolbe, Kriel (c), De Allende, Moodie; Pollard, Williams; Kolisi, Du Toit, Van Staden; Nortje, Etzebeth; Du Toit, Marx, Nche.
Replacements: Wessels, Venter, Louw, De Jager, Smith, Reinach, Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Hooker.

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"Dad was the best" - Six rugby sons who failed to match their father’s achievements

In rugby, legacy is a powerful force—but not always a guarantee of success.

These six sons of rugby legends had the world at their feet but ultimately fell short of matching their fathers’ towering achievements.

Cameron Redpath (Son of Bryan Redpath)

Cameron Redpath, son of former Scotland captain Bryan Redpath, began his career with promise. He represented England at age-group levels before switching to Scotland, earning 14 caps and playing in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

However, his career has been marred by a series of major surgeries, including two ACL reconstructions and multiple shoulder and neck operations. These setbacks have limited his playing time and hindered his ability to reach the heights of his father's illustrious career.

Despite his resilience and determination, Redpath's injuries have prevented him from becoming a mainstay in the Scotland team.

Louis Lynagh (Son of Michael Lynagh)

Louis Lynagh, son of Australian World Cup winner Michael Lynagh, has carved out his own path in rugby. He represented England at age-group levels before making his Six Nations debut for Italy, scoring a try against Scotland.

While he has shown promise, Lynagh has not yet achieved the same level of success as his father, who earned 72 caps and was a key figure in Australia's 1991 World Cup victory.

His international career is still in its early stages, and it remains to be seen if he can reach the heights of his father's legacy.

Adam Hastings (Son of Gavin Hastings)

Adam Hastings, son of Scottish rugby legend Gavin Hastings, has had a solid career, earning 27 caps for Scotland.

He has played for clubs like Bath, Glasgow Warriors, and Gloucester. However, his career has been hindered by a series of injuries, including multiple shoulder, ankle, and knee issues, which have limited his appearances and prevented him from consistently performing at the highest level.

While he has shown flashes of brilliance, Hastings has yet to establish himself as a key figure in the Scotland team.

Lucas Brooke (Son of Zinzan Brooke)

Lucas Brooke, son of All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke, began his rugby journey with promise, joining the London Irish Academy at age 13 and representing Berkshire at county level. However, his career has been hampered by setbacks, including a year-long hiatus from the sport.

Despite his return to rugby, Brooke has not been able to replicate the success of his father, who earned 58 caps for New Zealand and starred in the 1987 and 1991 World Cup campaigns.

His path has been marked by inconsistency and missed opportunities, preventing him from reaching the heights of his father's legacy.

Dhyreille Lomu (Son of Jonah Lomu)

Dhyreille Lomu, son of the legendary All Black Jonah Lomu, showed early promise in rugby but has since decided to step back from the sport.

Growing up in the shadow of one of rugby’s greatest icons, Dhyreille faced enormous expectations, and while he impressed as a teenager, he has chosen to explore other passions. Alongside his brother Brayley, he has developed a love for tennis, with Brayley dreaming of becoming the world’s best.

Dhyreille reflects on his path with humility and perspective: “Dad will always be the best, so I might give something else a go.”

Lewis Tierney (Son of Jason Robinson)

Lewis Tierney, son of former England and British & Irish Lions star Jason Robinson, had a promising start to his career. He played for Wigan Warriors and represented Scotland at the international level, but a series of injuries cut his career short, leading to an early retirement from rugby league.

While he showed potential, Tierney was unable to achieve the same level of success as his father, who was renowned for his speed and skill on the field. His early retirement marked the end of a career that never fully blossomed.

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