Former England Player Says Springboks’ B Team Could Be World No. 2 After All Blacks Series Win
- Ugo Monye believes South Africa’s squad depth gives Rassie Erasmus a major advantage ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup
- The former England international has explained why the Springboks’ recent defeat to Australia has not changed his assessment
- New Zealand, England, France, Ireland and Australia remain among the teams he expects to challenge South Africa
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Former England international Ugo Monye believes the Springboks are the favourites to win a third consecutive Rugby World Cup, and he has made a bold claim about the quality of their reserve players.
Speaking to LiveScore Bet, Monye praised South Africa following their 3-1 series victory over the All Blacks in September 2026. He argued that the world champions have enough talent to field a second team capable of competing with the best international sides.
“They're clear favourites, without a shadow of a doubt,” Monye said.
“They're looking to do something that's never been done before, and that's win three Rugby World Cups in a row.”
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The Springboks lost the opening Test 33-16 on 22 August before winning the next three matches, culminating in a 43-28 victory in Baltimore on 12 September.
Ugo Monye explains his bold second-team claim
Monye acknowledged South Africa's subsequent defeat to Australia but argued the result should be viewed in the context of squad rotation.
“Their greatest rivalry they just had with New Zealand ... they just finished that series 3-1. Wow! That is another statement. I know they lost against Australia, but that's having made a number of changes,” he said.
The former winger went further when assessing the depth available to Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus.
“Honestly, there's parts of me where I think the best team in the world is South Africa, and maybe the second-best team in the world is the South African second team,” Monye said.
“Their strength is frightening.”
Springboks face familiar Rugby World Cup challengers
Monye identified several nations he expects to challenge South Africa as the team pursues another world title in 2027.
“As for the runners and riders? New Zealand and England will be there, France will be there, Ireland will be there, Australia will be there,” he said.
“Those are the teams I’m looking at to make a statement.”
The Springboks are targeting an unprecedented third consecutive men's Rugby World Cup title in Australia in 2027, having won the 2019 and 2023 tournaments.
Monye's comments underline the scale of South Africa's player resources, although his suggestion about the second team remains an assessment rather than an official world ranking.
Source: Getty Images
Tony Brown explains the 3 principles behind the Springboks’ attacking evolution
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks' attack coach Tony Brown has outlined the three principles guiding South Africa’s attacking approach: momentum, speed and space.
Brown explained that understanding players’ strengths is essential when developing a winning strategy.
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Source: Briefly News
