Mission three-peat is the agenda for Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks and SA Rugby.
Rassie Erasmus has spent years making certain that the Springboks have depth in each place.
In 2024, greater than 50 gamers performed for the Boks. In the meantime, over ten key gamers have been injured final 12 months. Subsequently, there’s a crop of 50-60 gamers at the moment in rivalry with SA Rugby depth at an all-time excessive beneath Rassie.
So, let’s check out the gamers primed to defend the Springboks Rugby World Cup trophy in 2027.
BIG BOK READ: END OF AN ERA – SIX SPRINGBOKS ENTERING THE LATTER STAGES OF THEIR CAREERS
MISSION THREE-PEAT IS ON THE AGENDA FOR SA RUGBY
The Springboks joined the All Blacks as the one groups to go back-to-back within the Rugby World Cup following their profitable title defence in 2023.
Nonetheless, Erasmus and the Boks need to go one step additional.
Mission ‘three-peat’ is the first focus – the Springboks need to turn out to be the primary group in historical past to win three RWC titles in a row. Rassie has tactically masterminded the artwork of constructing squad depth with this aim and imaginative and prescient in thoughts. At the moment, the Springboks have two to a few high quality gamers in each place able to beginning within the coveted and prestigious inexperienced and gold jersey.
So, a number of gamers put their fingers up in 2024. Finally, Rassie will solely choose gamers who’ve been within the Springboks image and system for a few years with some thrilling rising stars staking their declare to a spot on the Boks 2027 RWC group.
LIKELY SPRINGBOKS LINE UP FOR 2027 RWC
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi/Malcolm Marx
- Wilco Louw
- Eben Etzebeth
- Ruan Nortje
- Siya Kolisi
- Pieter
- Jasper Wiese
- Grant Williams
- Handre Pollard
- Kurt-Lee Arendse
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Jessie Kriel/ Lukhanyo Am
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Damien Willemse
MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS PACK OF FORWARDS
Ox Nche has solidified himself as the brand new first selection primary (pun meant) on the entrance of the scrum for the Springboks. In the meantime, each Mbonambi and Marx are set to proceed being rotated at quantity two. As they’ve been for a number of seasons.
While, Malherbe is unlikely to be within the image as he turns 36/37 in 27. Subsequently, Wilco Louw will probably step into the quantity 3 jersey come the 2027 Rugby World Cup. I foresee, Bok veteran Eben Etzebeth extending his report because the highest-capped Springbok of all time. Nonetheless, each Mostert and Lood are getting into the latter levels of their profession so Nortje is being primed to step up.
Moreover, Erasmus has confirmed that Kolisi will proceed to captain the Boks. He must be joined by present World Rugby Participant of the 12 months, Du Toit. In the back of the scrum it Wiese, who has been instrumental to the Boks success, is favoured to put on the quantity 8 jersey.
BACK TO THE FUTURE FOR THE BOKS BACKLINE
Among the stars of the previous will run out for one last Rugby World Cup sooner or later.
In a daring name at 9, I’m backing Williams to take over from Faf de Klerk and Jaden Hendrikse.
Moreover, Bok veteran Pollard has one other Rugby World Cup in him and he shall be on the coronary heart of mission three-peat beneath Erasmus. Each Arendse and Kolbe are anticipated to proceed their exploits on the wing. Nonetheless, right here’s the place issues get very attention-grabbing… each De Allende and Kriel shall be effectively previous their prime. De Allende shall be 35 and Kriel shall be 33. So, one should favour Andre Esterhuizen and Lukhanyo Am within the midfield. Though, Kriel has a greater likelihood than De Allende of sustaining the quantity 13 jersey.
Whereas, Willemse’s return will see a captivating battle with Aphelele Fassi for the Bok quantity 15 jersey.
Willemse was one of many stars if the 2023 Rugby World Cup. While, in his abscense, Fassi wore the Springboks jersey with pleasure. Shining vivid all through the 2024 season. These are two of the very best full backs in World Rugby. So, this can be a nice headache to have in the event you’re Erasmus.
WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD START FOR THE SPRINGBOKS IN THEIR BIG TESTS IN THE 2027 RUGBY WORLD CUP? GIVE US YOUR STARTING XV
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