Springboks Fans Name 4 Players Who Could Miss the 2027 Rugby World Cup Squad
- Aphelele Fassi drew the sharpest criticism from supporters after a difficult outing in South Africa's 42-38 defeat to Australia in Perth
- Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert and Quan Horn also featured in social media debate about the Springboks' World Cup planning
- Rassie Erasmus made 13 changes to his starting XV for the Perth Test, meaning the selection picture remains far from settled
- Briefly News spoke exclusively to a rugby analyst on his thoughts
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Springboks supporters have called for up to four players to be dropped from the 2027 Rugby World Cup squad after South Africa fell to a 42-38 defeat against Australia at Optus Stadium in Perth.
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The loss, which came after the Wallabies led 42-17 before a late Springbok comeback, prompted widespread debate on social media about which players had done enough to retain their places in Rassie Erasmus' long-term plans.
Fassi under pressure after Perth outing
Fullback Aphelele Fassi attracted the most criticism. His performance included a missed high ball that contributed to Len Ikitau's try, a penalty for a forward pass during an attacking move, and poor ratings from multiple outlets. The Citizen scored him 5/10, while Planet Rugby rated him 4/10.
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Supporters were vocal in their assessment. @Rugby_Scoop described his display as a "stinker", while another fan wrote that Fassi "always looks so lost on the field." A third supporter suggested his time may be running out, writing:
"Rassie take him all the chances he needed. He can try again after the World Cup now."
Not all reaction was as blunt. One supporter argued that South Africa's problems at scrum time contributed more significantly to the defeat than Fassi's individual errors.
Van Staden, Mostert and Horn also named
Beyond Fassi, one supporter listed Marco van Staden, Franco Mostert and Quan Horn among those they believed would not make the final World Cup squad.
Both Van Staden and Mostert remain active participants in Erasmus' planning. Van Staden was included in the Springboks' alignment camp in 2026 and has been used as a versatile loose-forward capable of covering at hooker. Mostert's absence from the Scotland match earlier in the season was attributed to a minor injury rather than any selection decision.
Horn's name emerged in a different context. The Lions utility back has featured in Erasmus' squads throughout 2026, covering multiple positions including flyhalf against the Barbarians and Scotland. His inclusion in the national alignment group in May confirmed he remains within the broader selection picture. One fan suggested Horn deserved an opportunity at fullback in place of Fassi.
Perth selection adds important context
The debate must be measured against the nature of the Perth selection itself. Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting XV that had beaten New Zealand, using the match to give less-established players Test experience. Australia were reduced to 11 players during the closing stages but still held on for the win.
Speaking to Briefly News before the Perth Test, rugby analyst Thabang Mokoena stressed that Erasmus' experimentation was about gathering information on his squad rather than making definitive decisions on individual players.
“You have to look at who is coming in, not just who is going out. South Africa still have a lot of experienced players in this team and on the bench. Rassie is trying to find out which combinations can function at Test level when some of his regular starters aren't there,” Mokoena said.
That context is important when assessing the criticism of Fassi, Van Staden, Mostert and Horn after the Australia defeat. Erasmus made 13 changes to the starting XV that beat New Zealand, with only Eben Etzebeth and Ethan Hooker retaining their starting places.
Mokoena also cautioned that versatility should have a purpose rather than create uncertainty within the team.
Nick Mallett praises Paul de Villiers
Briefly News previously reported that former Springbok coach Nick Mallett singled out Paul de Villiers after the Boks' defeat to the Wallabies in Perth
Mallett spoke on the Talking Boks podcast about the depth Rassie Erasmus has available in the loose forwards ahead of the Nations Championship
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Source: Briefly News
