The Springbok captaincy debate was blown wide open with the news that incumbent Adriaan Strauss will retire from Test rugby at the end of the year. Strauss's suitability for the job has been questioned after the Springboks' stuttering start to the international season. They have already lost Tests to Ireland and Argentina.The timing of yesterday's announcement will no doubt spark debate whether Strauss felt under pressure to make public a decision he says he made last year.SA Rugby said that Strauss, who became the 57th Springbok captain against Ireland in June, had been contemplating retirement since late last year.Strauss informed Springbok coach Allister Coetzee of his decision, which perhaps explains why the coach prevaricated before installing him as captain."When coach Allister approached me to lead the team, I was both humbled and honoured," Strauss said."The plan was for me to lead a team in transition as well as I can and take things week by week."Coetzee, of course, now has the option of picking a new captain by the time the Springboks play Australia in Brisbane in the Rugby Championships next Saturday.In the lead up to the Test against Argentina in Nelspruit, Coetzee announced that Bryan Habana would be the vice-captain for the remainder of the year.Habana, however, has limited prospects as a long-term leader, which will place Coetzee under pressure to consider the credentials of No8 Warren Whiteley.The Lions skipper was exemplary in leading his team to the Super rugby final.But Coetzee first needs to put his mind at ease that Whiteley will be a fixture in his starting lineup.Coetzee and Duane Vermeulen have an established bond but the Toulon-based player is injured.Strauss explained his decision: "I feel it's the right time to let my teammates and supporters know of the decision I have made, with a greater plan in mind."That plan may now also include the introduction of Lions hooker Malcolm Marx, who has been part of the Bok squad but is yet to be named in a match day lineup.Marx has had a stellar season for the Lions and those in the know predict a bright future for the Lions' tyro."I just don't think he is playing good rugby," said former Springbok captain Naas Botha of Strauss. "But he is not the only one. We have two of the best locks in the world and it doesn't seem they are setting the world on fire."And that is perhaps the wider problem that has brought the matter to a head. As it is, Coetzee's team is in transition and he needs to make tough decisions based on a long-term prognosis...