Former Springboks coach Nick Mallett has dismissed suggestions that Paul de Villiers is a like-for-like replacement for Siya Kolisi, but admits the Bok captain will have to produce a big performance against Argentina to keep his place.
De Villiers has enjoyed a superb Nations Championship, making his Test debut against England after Kolisi's late withdrawal before retaining the No. 6 jersey against Scotland and Wales.
His display against Wales earned him the Player of the Match award and sparked debate over whether he should remain first choice.
Kolisi vs De Villiers: Mallett explains key differences
Speaking on the Talking Boks podcast, Mallett stressed that although both players wear the No. 6 jersey, they offer completely different qualities.
"Siya is a great ball carrier. He's an immensely dense runner. He is compact and he bounces people off," Mallett said.
"He hits hard in defence. His preference is to counter ruck more than it is to steal."
In contrast, Mallett believes De Villiers brings a different skill set.
"Paul is different in the sense that he's a more evasive runner. He tries not to run into players. He tries to step and beat them, and he has got very good feet," he explained.
"His instincts are to be right over the tackle... he's very, very good at it. His body positioning is outstanding. He listens to the ref. His balance is brilliant, and he's over the ball like a limpet. He's very, very difficult to get off the ball.
"So those are the differences between the two. Both of them are very effective, but Paul de Villiers has been playing really well."
Kolisi must respond to Springboks challenge
Despite De Villiers' rise, Mallett believes Kolisi still has plenty to offer, although he warned the Springboks skipper cannot rely on reputation alone.
"A lot of people have question marks around how far Siya Kolisi is going to go. In his mind, he is preparing to go to the 2027 World Cup, but the performance of Paul de Villiers has been such that he is going to have to play really well to keep Paul out of the team," he continued.
"We know that Siya is an absolutely fabulous leader, but he needs to play, and he needs to play really well against Argentina because he's going to be tested against the All Blacks."
Mallett also highlighted the importance of Erasmus making full use of the Springboks' depth.
"When we say we've got strength in depth, it's no good leaving these really good youngsters snapping at their heels but not putting them on the field and getting them to perform against top opposition."
He believes De Villiers has earned his opportunity and that the increased competition can only benefit the world champions as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But first is the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks, the first of its kind since 1996.
