Springboks’ Ageing Stars Spark a Big Question Ahead of 2027 World Cup
- The Springboks’ experienced core could face some important decisions as Rassie Erasmus begins shaping his plans for Australia 2027
- Steven Kitshoff has opened up about the conversations that could become increasingly important for Erasmus and his senior Springboks
- With several World Cup-winning stars now well into their 30s, the age of the squad is becoming a bigger talking point ahead of 2027
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The Springboks could face a major selection dilemma before the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with former Bok prop Steven Kitshoff warning against taking an ageing squad to Australia if players cannot handle the demands of preparation.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast alongside former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and ex-Wallabies boss Ewen McKenzie, Kitshoff said Rassie Erasmus appeared to have a trusted group of players for the biggest matches.
According to SA Rugby Magazine, he said:
“When it came to the All Blacks and when it came to big games, there’s a real mentality that there’s going to be 23 to 25 guys that he really backs, and that’s probably going to be the guys that we’re going to see going into the World Cup season.”
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The concern is particularly relevant given the ages of several established Springboks. Deon Fourie turns 40 on 25 September, while Siya Kolisi is 35. Franco Mostert is also 35, while Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Damian de Allende are 34.
Rassie Erasmus urged to have honest conversations
Kitshoff believes training demands could ultimately become as important as match performances when Erasmus assesses his experienced players.
“You don’t want to take a squad to the World Cup that’s a bit on the older side that can’t get through a Monday-Tuesday training block,” he said.
Hansen, who coached New Zealand to the 2015 World Cup title, said he encountered a similar situation with the All Blacks.
“As the coach, you’re guiding him on his performance. You’re having honest conversations. Is the performance good enough?” Hansen said.
He added that such discussions could lead some veterans to decide their international careers had reached their conclusion.
Springboks have a year to manage veteran stars
McKenzie offered another approach, suggesting experienced players could reduce their training loads rather than be routinely rested from matches.
“Everyone wants to play the game,” he said. “I’ve tended to take the approach of resting them from training.”
The timing makes the issue particularly significant. The 2027 Rugby World Cup begins in Australia on 1 October, with South Africa opening against Italy in Adelaide on 3 October.
For Erasmus, the challenge will be managing a group that has delivered two successive World Cup titles while also developing enough depth for the next campaign.
Source: Twitter
Eben Etzebeth addresses Springboks age concerns
Briefly News previously reported that Eben Etzebeth opened up about the Springboks’ ageing squad ahead of their crucial All Blacks Test in Baltimore.
The veteran lock acknowledged that the group is getting older but offered a clear explanation for why the senior players still believe they can compete at the highest level.
The 34-year-old also highlighted the privilege of continuing to represent South Africa, revealing what he believes is helping the experienced players maintain their standards.
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Source: Briefly News
