Young hooker to rewrite history books

Chiliboy Ralepelle will become the first black player to captain a Springbok XV when he leads them out against a World XV in Leicester on Sunday.

The friendly international will also see the 20-year-old hooker become the youngest player to skipper a Bok XV. Ralepelle has captained the South African Under-19 and Under-21 sides to world titles.

Bulls captain Gary Botha is expected to replace Ralepelle in the second half and take over the captain's armband. The players will not receive Test caps for the match, which is an SA Rugby Players' Association fundraiser.

Like Hanyani Shimange before him, Ralepelle has mainly warmed the bench. He may be a natural leader, but is largely untested at senior level.

Springbok coach Jake White is hoping Ralepelle and Botha will draw strength from one another.

"It's the ideal situation having both Chiliboy and Gary with us in this last week," said White.

"It means they will be able to draw off one another and help one another in the build-up to the game and during preparations. It is better than just throwing one of them to the wolves...

"This way they can both be blooded as captain on the same day and have each other for support."