Stormers captain Corne Krige has preferred not to comment on Cats coach Laurie Mains' remarks that he is not fit to lead the Springboks.

His coach Alan Solomons, however, said the national captaincy is a matter for coach Harry Viljoen to deal with.

Mains launched his attack on Krige in the wake of Saturday's acrimonious battle between the Cats and the Stormers at Newlands. It was marred by several off-the-ball incidents and the citing and subsequent suspension of Cats centre Japie Mulder.

"What Corne has done with his remarks about Japie Mulder and the captaincy of Andre Vos and Rassie Erasmus has shown that he hasn't got what it takes to lead the national side," Mains was quoted as saying by newspapers. Krige is currently in Sydney with the Stormers preparing to play the Waratahs and said he doesn't want to get involved in a slanging match in the media with Mains.

"I said some very positive things about Rassie at a media conference before the game and never even mentioned Vossie. The whole thing was blown out of proportion by a newspaper.

"What I said was that the Cats would be a more unpredictable side under Rassie than the Lions were in the Currie Cup because he is so involved with the planning of their moves. I never meant to have a go at Vossie.

"If Laurie has a problem with me, I'd prefer that he discuss it with me. I would do the same if I had a problem with him. I don't want to get involved in a slanging match with him through the media."

After the game, the Stormers captain said he hoped Mulder would be suspended from rugby for as long at the law allowed. He said he did not regret saying that. "I did say that and I still feel the same way."

Solomons, however, was more outspoken than his captain when asked about Mains' tirade. "Firstly, I think the national coach Harry Viljoen is the person who determines who leads the national side and no one else.

"I won't comment on who should lead the national side, that's Harry's prerogative. I can only comment on Corne's leadership abilities. He is a fantastic leader and captain and a highly principled man.

"Corne is a man of integrity and he certainly has had the support of all the teams he has led thus far. As for the national captaincy, it's a matter for Harry and he will determine who is the most appropriate candidate."