Moerat delighted to lead South Africa against Portugal

Salmaan Moerat was still in awe about being named Springbok captain and said while it was a massive privilege for him and his family, it was great to be able to lean on double Rugby World Cup captain Siya Kolisi – who is only a call away – and the more experienced players in the matchday squad that will line up against Portugal in the closing Test of the Castle Lager Incoming Series in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Given his pedigree as a captain having led the SA Schools and Junior Springbok teams, as well as the DHL Stormers and DHL Western Province, Moerat was one of the main contenders to take over the captains armband from Kolisi – who was one of 16 players released from camp on Wednesday to have a well-deserved break before the Castle Lager Rugby Championship squad is announced next week – but the new Bok skipper said the news came a surprise to him.

“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, who will become the Springboks’ 66th captain on Saturday.

“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.”

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.”

Of the uncapped players named in the match-23, Stick said: “Whenever I see young players get a chance it makes me very excited. I worked with many of the new players at junior level and we need to remember that we have the bigger picture of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in mind.

“Some of the players who played in 2023 may be not be around then, so it’s good to build our depth and get some young talented players coming through our structures.”

Stick and Moerat expected a tough onslaught from Portugal in what will mark the first Test between the teams.

“They were one of the standout teams at the World Cup and they performed exceptionally well to beat Fiji,” said Moerat. “Their style of play is very different to other teams – they have elusive loose forwards, great backs, and an outstanding captain. So, we must pitch up and enforce our game on them.”

Stick added: “Portugal are a strong team and hopefully we can produce a good performance for South Africa and the people of Bloemfontein. We owe it to them, especially after the last match we played here where we lost out narrowly against Wales.”

The duo also congratulated Hollie Davidson, who will become the first female referee to take charge of a Springbok Test, with Moerat saying: “We pride ourselves as a team on always treating referees with respect and Hollie showed in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship that she’s a very capable referee, and as a team we feel she deserves this appointment, and we’d like to congratulate her for that.”

Stick added: “Respect is the word that comes to mind for us with all referees going into matches. I like Hollie’s confidence and how she handles matches, and I’d also like to congratulate her on this achievement.

“Well done to World Rugby as well for making this appointment. This is what transformation of rugby is all about, and I have no doubt we’ll see more female referees coming through the structures in future.”

The match kicks off at 17h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.