The majority of the Springboks’ World Cup-winning team are likely to be contenders for the next global tournament, but there are some who almost certainly will not be part of it.
As the Springboks embark on a new four-year cycle leading up to the World Cup, the evolution of the team under Rassie Erasmus’s guidance, focusing on strategies and plans to sustain their success, will be fascinating to watch.
With the next World Cup approaching, the Springboks aim for a third consecutive title, marking this as a significant long-term goal.
Most of the current World Cup champions might still be in contention in four years, but there are seven players who are unlikely to participate in another global event.
ARE THESE SPRINGBOKS’ DAYS AT THE TOP NUMBERED?
Makazole Mapimpi (age at next World Cup: 37)
Cobus Reinach (37)
Willie le Roux (38)
Trevor Nyakane (38)
Vincent Koch (37)
Deon Fourie (41)
Duane Vermeulen (retired)
This list indicates a need for the Springboks to bolster their prop depth, and there’s anticipation to see if someone like Jasper Wiese can step up as the No 8 in Duane Vermeulen’s absence, who has retired.
*We welcome your thoughts in the comments section on which player the Boks would miss the most in 2027?
NOTE: THE BOKS’ 2024 HOME TEST SCHEDULE IS:
Saturday, 6 July: SA vs. Ireland (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
Saturday, 13 July: SA vs. Ireland (Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban)
Saturday, 20 July: SA vs. Portugal (venue to be confirmed)
Saturday, 31 August: SA vs. New Zealand (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)
Saturday, 7 September: SA vs. New Zealand (DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
Saturday, 28 September: SA vs. Argentina (Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit)
In addition, the Springboks’ away Test schedule includes two matches in Australia against the Wallabies in August, an away game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship in September, and fixtures in Europe in November 2024.
