Salmaan Moerat will lead out the Springboks and become the 66th man to captain South Africa in Test rugby against Portugal.
“I didn’t think it was going to happen (to be named captain) – I was surprised when I heard but I’m immensely proud,” said Moerat
“I actually thought there was a typo next to my name when I saw the ‘c’, but when it was announced it was a special feeling. My family will be here for the game, which is going to be amazing.”
The 26-year-old Moerat said although it will mark a special milestone in his career, leading the Boks carries a much bigger responsibility than taking charge on the field: “When you captain the Springboks, you need to know it’s not about you. It’s for the people who had that responsibility before you and for those will be granted the opportunity going forward.”
No easy task in Springboks v Portugal showdown
Moerat admitted that filling the boots of Kolisi was not an easy task, but he appreciated the guidance the experienced Springbok skipper offered him this week.
“Those are big shoes to fill – Siya is seen as an inspirational captain around the world,” said Moerat.
“The first thing he said to me was congratulations, and he is also said it’s a privilege that should not be taken lightly. His advice to me was to enjoy the occasion and focus on my game, and the fact that we have so many experienced players in the squad will certainly make my job easier. But I also know that I can call him whenever I need guidance and assistance.”
Moerat, who comes from a deeply rooted rugby family, said it would be an equally special occasion for them when he runs onto the field at the Toyota Stadium.
“My father played rugby back in the former SARU days and my uncles played rugby as well, so it’s a huge honour for them and for me to captain the Springboks,” he said.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick was also full of praise for the hard-working lock and the seven players set to make their Test debuts, and said: “I’ve seen Salmaan develop as a player from his young days in the SA Rugby structures and I coached him at the Junior Springboks, and saw this coming. Given the number of teams he has captained, I know he’s ready for this opportunity.”
The tourists
Portugal coach Simon Mannix has made a few changes to his team that beat Namibia in Windhoek last weekend for their highly-anticipated Test against the Springboks in Bloemfontein on Saturday, with Tomas Appleton named as captain of the visiting side.
Appleton takes over the captaincy from Nicolas Martins, who was part of the match-day squad that beat Namibia by 37-22.
Martins is replaced on the side of the scrum by Diego Pinheiro, with Vasco Baptista taking over from Joao Granate at No 8. At lock, Nicolas Fernandes replaces Antonio Rebelo Andrade, who moves to the bench.
Mannix has made a few tweaks to the backline too, with Joris Moura starting at flyhalf and Simao Bento at fullback, while Manuel Cardoso Pinto will run out at wing after donning the No 15 jersey last week.
Starting teams and squads
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, Cobus Reinach, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Phepsi Buthelezi, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Andre-Hugo Venter, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Morné van den Berg, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Quan Horn.
Portugal: 15 Simao Bento, 14 Manuel Cardoso Pinto, 13 Jose Lima, 12 Tomas Appleton (captain), 11 Rodrigo Marta, 10 Joris Moura, 9 Hugo Camacho, 8 Vasco Baptista, 7 Diego Pinheiro, 6 Jose Madeira, 5 Duarte Torgal, 4 Nicolas Fernandes, 3 Diogo Hasse Ferreira, 2 Luka Begic, 1 Francisco Fernandes.
Replacements: 16 David Costa, 17 Pedro Vicente, 18 Abel da Cunha, Antonio Rebelo Andrade, 20 Andre Cunha, 21 Pedro Lucas, 22 Domingos Cabral, 23 Jose Paiva dos Santos.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein
Kick-off: 17.00 (16.00 Portugal time; 15.00 GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Craig Evans (Wales), Mike Adamson (Scotland)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
Who will win?
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