Five potential Springbok captains

Following the announcement that current Springbok captain, Adriaan Strauss, will retire from Test Rugby at the end of the season, we have a look at who could replace the 30-year-old.

Here are the 5 Springboks who have the leadership skills to take the role as Springbok captain #59.

Juan de Jongh

De Jongh's leadership abilities are unquestionable after playing a visible part in the Blitzboks' bronze-winning Sevens campaign in Rio this year as well as captaining the Stormers side in Super Rugby.

He is no stranger to the Springbok squad, however, as he was scrapped off when former coach Heyneke Meyer deemed international rugby too big for him.

The 28-year-old's solid defensive skills have seen him at the front of the scoring lines regularly and has now been rewarded with a Springbok start against Australia on Saturday to add venom to the set-up.

 
Eben Etzebeth

Etzebeth made his Test debut at 20 years old and never looked back, taking the field for Springboks in 49 out of 53 Test matches, highlighting his value to the team.

He starred in the Baby Boks at the U20 World Cup in 2011 and went on to make an impressive Super Rugby season for the Stormers.

The 24-year-old is named in the Springbok starting team for the clash against the Wallabies, which will be his 27th consecutive match for South Africa and will be the youngest player to reach 50 caps for South Africa.

 
Warren Whiteley

The Lions captain has been a talking point after leading the Lions to one of their most successful seasons in 2015.

His consistent high level performance has seen him become close friends with the scoring line and is not shy to jump to a tackle, with the record for the most Super Rugby tackles in 2015.

Whiteley made his Springbok debut in 2014, and after a number of injuries, managed to get back on the horse and seal his name in the extended squad for the 2015 Rugby Championship.

Patrick Lambie

Lambie burst through the scene with the Sharks and immediately became one to watch after his eye-catching performance in the Currie Cup final 5 years ago.

He established himself with the Springboks set-up and has evolved to become a fan favourite.

The 25-year-old's 2016 season has been spoiled with a major injury sustained in the first Test against Ireland in Cape Town and is expected to take to the field again as soon as his post concussion symptoms wear off.

 
Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira

Having made his debut in 2008, The Beast will earn his 81st Test cap on Saturday against Argentina, surpassing two-time World Cup winner Os du Randt's record as the most-capped Springboks prop ever.

With a name being affectionately chanted whenever he touches the ball, The Beast is known for his huge size and his dominant strength on the field.

The Zimbabwean-born prop made the conversion from loose forward into a loosehead prop when he joined up with the Sharks after school.

He has gone to enjoy a successful career in the front row of the Springbok.