It's a huge honour to captain the Springboks - Moerat
Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat will captain the world champions in Saturday's once-off Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein.
FILE: Salmaan Moerat during a Springbok training session on 19 July 2024. Picture: @Springboks/X
BLOEMFONTEIN - Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat will captain the world champions in Saturday's once-off Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein.
Moerat, who will be playing in just his seventh international, said that while he wasn’t expecting it, the honour was one he took immense pride in.
There are a few people who could imagine the pressure of being the Springbok captain and the weight that comes with the expectations on Moerat's shoulders is one he seems to carry with ease.
#Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Salmaan Moerat are addressing the media ahead of tomorrow’s Test match against Portugal. pic.twitter.com/KiemSTopOZ
— EWN_Sport (@EWN_Sport) July 19, 2024
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says tomorrow presents a big opportunity for players to impress and earn a place in the squad for the Rugby Championship starting next month. #Springboks pic.twitter.com/b4Z9mCdPwi
— EWN_Sport (@EWN_Sport) July 19, 2024
Moerat's father and uncles were highly regarded players in their prime but didn’t get the chance to represent the country because of the apartheid laws.
The towering lock said that it meant a lot more to him to lead the Boks because of this.
"It's well documented that my father played rugby back in the SARU days and my uncles as well. Essentially, they’ve been there before, paving the way for us as professional athletes. So, it’s a massive privilege for myself and my family, and a huge honour to captain the Springboks."
Moerat will become just the 66th person to lead the Springboks when they play Portugal at 5pm on Saturday.