The veteran South African lock Victor Matfield will captain the Springbok rugby team on their British tour next month.
Regular skipper John Smit was ruled out after surgery last month on a chronic cervical disc.
Embattled South Africa coach Peter de Villiers also confirmed that flanker Juan Smith would be the tour vice-captain.
De Villiers is under pressure after a disastrous Tri-Nations tournament yielded just one win from six outings against New Zealand and Australia.
The world champions face Ireland, Wales, Scotland and England on consecutive Saturdays from November 6.
