Springboks’ 2027 World Cup Hopes Linked to Jacques Nienaber Return, According to Analysts
- The Springboks, headed by Rassie Erasmus, will be aiming for history at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia
- Rugby experts have identified the missing piece that could help South Africa retain the World Cup title
- Jacques Nienaber’s availability and potential return from Leinster is at the centre of discussions ahead of the tournament
The absence of Jacques Nienaber from the Springboks’ management team could significantly impact South Africa’s chances of winning the 2027 Rugby World Cup, according to rugby analysts.
Nienaber, who partnered with Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus during the 2019 and 2023 World Cup triumphs, has been widely credited for the Springboks’ defensive structures and consistency.
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His move to Leinster after the 2023 tournament has left Erasmus to lead the Springboks without his long-time coaching ally.
At Leinster, Nienaber has taken on a supporting role under head coach Leo Cullen despite being a World Cup-winning coach himself. His contribution helped the Irish province secure their first Vodacom United Rugby Championship title, defeating the Bulls in Dublin.
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Nienaber is expected to remain in Ireland until June 2027 as he completes the process of obtaining Irish citizenship, but speculation remains about whether he will rejoin Erasmus for South Africa’s title defence in Australia.
Erasmus, who on Sunday, 24 August, received the Ministerial Excellence Award at the South African Sports Awards has been pivotal in South Africa’s success, guiding the Springboks to back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2019 and 2023. His tactical acumen and bold approach have not only reshaped the Boks’ playing style but also earned him global recognition.
His current deal with SA Rugby runs until the conclusion of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, but Rapport has reported that negotiations are already underway about a possible extension.
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Rugby analysts feel strongly that Erasmus needs help
Analysts argue that the Springboks are currently missing his defensive mindset, personality, and structural influence, which were key in both World Cup successes.
Rugby commentator Zels, speaking on the Keo & Zels Show, reinforced the view that Nienaber’s return would be vital to the Springboks’ ambitions:
“The Boks won’t win the next World Cup without Jacques Nienaber. Rassie and Jacques together are the winning package, and Jacques has got to come back and be the defence coach for the Boks to win the next World Cup. I think Rassie knows that better than anybody else. Jacques does come back; he is the missing piece at the moment.”
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This perspective highlights the growing belief among experts that Erasmus and Nienaber’s partnership remains central to South Africa’s bid to secure an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup title.
Rassie Erasmus names squad for All Blacks game
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a full-strength squad for South Africa’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, despite missing the services of prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who failed a doping test ahead of the series.
The team will face the All Blacks at Eden Park in Auckland on 6 September, before meeting them again in Wellington on 13 September. Both fixtures are crucial as South Africa aims to defend its Rugby Championship title.
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Source: Briefly News
