Springbok coach Peter de Villiers will on Monday reveal who will take over the captaincy for the one-off Test against Italy at Newlands on Saturday, but before then he will "consult" with incumbent John Smit.

The Springbok media schedule for the week revealed that De Villiers, Andy Marinos (General Manager National Teams at the South African Rugby Union) and the Bok captain will address the media at their base in Cape Town on Monday.

Chris Hewitt, the Springbok Communications Manager, confirmed on Sunday that the name of the captain will only be revealed on Monday.

Smit and veteran fullback Percy Montgomery both return to France this week to play for their respective clubs, Clermont and Perpignan, in the Top 14 playoffs,

That rules Smit out of the encounter at Newlands, although he will be back for the Tri-Nations next month.

World Cup-winning lock Victor Matfield is the clear favourite to take over the captaincy against Italy, after he took over the on-field leadership when Smit left the field in the second-half of the 37-21 win over Wales in Pretoria at the weekend.

Reports have also suggested that either Stormers captain Jean de Villiers or flank Luke Watson could captain the side.

De Villiers made it clear at the weekend that he will first speak with Smit regarding his thoughts on the captaincy issue, and only make up his mind then.

"I haven't decided yet, I want to talk to John about it and then we will announce it," De Villiers told the Afrikaans weekly Sondag.

"I have someone in mind, but I first want to get John's thoughts on the matter before I take my decision," De Villiers added.

365