Eben Etzebeth will continue as South Africa's stand-in captain for The Rugby Championship as Warren Whiteley will be out for a further six weeks, SA Rugby has announced.
The 26-year-old lock had already replaced Whiteley as skipper for the last of the three Tests against France in June when the loose forward was ruled out of action with a groin injury.
Whiteley is not likely to be back before the end of September, which means Etzebeth could be captain for at least five of the six Springboks fixtures in this year's southern hemisphere championship, starting with the home clash against Argentina in Port Elizabeth on August 19.
"Eben did an excellent job against France in Johannesburg, when he had to step in at short notice after the late withdrawal of Warren. He enjoys the respect of his teammates and also commands respect on and off the field," said Springbok coach Allister Coetzee in a statement.
Etzebeth made his debut for the Springboks aged 20 and has won a total of 57 caps. Loose forward Siya Kolisi has been named vice-captain.
South Africa play Argentina away on August 26 in Salta for their second game and then travel to Australia and New Zealand for tests in Perth on September 9 and Auckland on September 16.
Their last two matches are home to Australia in Bloemfontein on September 30 and New Zealand in Cape Town on October 7.
