Possibly the Farewell of Four Senior Springboks from the Rugby World Cup
When South Africa triumphed over the New Zealand All Blacks, securing their fourth Rugby World Cup title, it marked a heroic achievement for the Springboks. However, it also raised the question of whether we have seen the last of four seasoned stars on the grandest rugby stage.
Bid Adieu to Senior Springboks at the Rugby World Cup?
Deon Fourie (37), Duane Vermeulen (37), Trevor Nyakane (34), and Willie le Roux (34) were the only members of South Africa’s Rugby World Cup squad who were born in the 1980s. No rugby enthusiast will forget Vermeulen’s exceptional performance in Yokohama four years ago, earning him the title of Man of the Match in the final against England. Deon Fourie, a versatile utility player, turned back the clock in Paris to claim rugby’s most coveted prize, proving his worth as a valuable impact player. Similarly, it seems improbable that Trevor Nyakane or Willie le Roux will find a place in a World Cup squad in the next four years.
The Significance of Experience
The Springboks’ victorious World Cup squad boasted a wealth of experience, not just limited to the “Golden Oldies.” Bongi Mbinambi, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Faf de Klerk, and Kwagga Smith are all on the “wrong” side of 30. However, there are no indications that any of them are ready to hang up their boots just yet, and the majority still have at least one more World Cup left in them.
