New Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named the players who are entering the latter stages of their career.
The players who are starting their later years of their careers have been picked by new Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Traditionally, the Rugby World Cup heralds the conclusion of careers and the emergence of new ones. Even if the Springboks won consecutively, a lot of changes are still to come.
A new assistant coach, defense coach, and head coach. Moreover, it is probable that a few players have just participated in their final RWC campaigns. A few players who Rassie disclosed are unlikely to be included in the Boks’ 2027 championship defense in Australia.
RASSIE REVEALS SPRINGBOKS WHO COULD LEAVE BEFORE RWC 2027
Surprisingly, Bok stalwart and enforcer Eben Etzebeth is one of the players who he discussed. Moreover, Rassie believes that Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are both unlikely to feature at the next RWC.
Speaking on Etzebeth’s Bok future, Rassie expressed doubt over him featuring in Australia in 2027.
Erasmus stated on BokSquad, “Eben is so athletic, but I don’t know if he still has a World Cup in him.”
He is also worried about the hooker department in the interim.
He went on, “We might also be a little thin at hooker.”
Bongi is not expected to be featured when he turns 36. Even if players like Deon Fourie and Duane Vermeulen have played in the past, none of them have played as much rugby as Etzebeth. In addition, a lot more rugby is anticipated from Bongi in the upcoming years.
Joseph Dweba will be 32, and Malcolm Marx will be 33. Therefore, if both guys are in good shape and fit, they should both be featured.
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS
There will be some bright prospects now that Rassie is concentrating on the necessity of developing a hooker and lock over the next four years.
Akker van der Merwe is playing brilliantly at hooker, and next year he should have an opportunity. But at the next RWC, he’ll also be 32. Johan Grobbelaar is therefore the most likely long-term substitute.
Ruan Nortje will be ringing the door at the lock department. Promising Lion Ruan Venter, who has already showed a lot of potential, will work hard to win over Bok selectors in due course.
