LISTEN: Kolisi appointment 'common sense', says Erasmus
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus believes the decision to appoint Siya Kolisi as captain of the national team is "common sense".
Erasmus confirmed the appointment on Monday morning at a media conference at the team hotel in Johannesburg.
Kolisi will become the first black Test captain of South Africa when he leads them in a three-Test series against England in June.
The 26-year-old flanker, who skippers the Stormers and has played 28 Tests, replaces the injured Warren Whiteley.
"I've coached him since he was 18,when we got him from the Eastern Cape to come to the Stormers. I coached him right through the academy years right through 'till he played for the Stormers. I know what he can do, I know his qualities and I know how he has grown as a man," Erasmus says.
Erasmus also spoke of the fact that black players make up half the squad.