Leaders a plenty in the Bok squad
As the Springboks prepare for their first test match in exactly
20 months when they face Georgia at the beginning of July, the squad is laden
with players to support captain Siya Kolisi.
Kolisi’s leadership abilities are crucial and influential in the Bok set-up and he’s proven that he can lead his country on the biggest stage, however he needs deputies around him.
Stormers prop Steven Kitshoff has spent his entire international career behind Bok legend Tendai Mtawarira and will now move into a crucial role in the South African scrum as well as take up a spot amongst the side’s leadership group.
For Kitshoff, he knows that the side is covered in all departments when it comes to players who can lead.
“We have an unbelievable bunch of leaders in the greater Springbok group,” Kitshoff said. “There are guys who have key roles in certain positions and the guys that have those important positions must step up.”
There are a handful of players currently under an injury cloud going into the test window, however, arguably, none more important than Duane Vermeulen.
Kitshoff understands the importance of the number eight to the side and wants to see him back in the Bok squad as soon as possible.
“I don’t know how long his rehabilitation is going to take but I want to wish him a speedy recovery so he can come back to the team as quickly as possible.
“He will definitely be missed in the set-up but there is a great group of leaders and players that are willing to step up,” he added.
The Lions will come to South Africa with a pack of forwards that they believe will match the powerful South African forwards with Irish prop Tadhg Furlong someone that has been earmarked as a crucial member of the squad.
Kitshoff has seen a lot of the Irishman so has an idea of what to expect when he faces up to the tighthead from the Emerald Isle.
“I think he’s a very good tighthead prop who has shown it over the last couple of years.
“On the previous British and Irish Lions tour he played really well for the team and I’ve known him since I was twenty and when I made my debut for the Springboks I scrummed against him.
“With that said I’m not taking anything away from our props who can rock up on the day and out-scrum anyone.”
