Rassie Erasmus will rotate Springbok veterans for upcoming Tests, reveals Matt Proudfoot

While much of the focus for the Springboks currently lies on blooding new players against Italy and Georgia, the long-term goal will be about getting some of the stalwarts through unscathed to the 2027 Rugby World Cup (RWC).

The Springboks host Italy in two Test matches (Loftus Versfeld and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium) starting on July 5, before they take on Georgia at Mbombela Stadium on July 19.

That will form a precursor for the Rugby Championship starting in August, when Australia, New Zealand and Argentina lie in wait.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will likely find a good mix of youth and experience by the time the Rugby Championship rolls around, and looking further ahead the November internationals against France, Italy, Ireland and Wales will provide even more challenges for the South Africans.

Springbok Veterans will be rotated

According to former Springboks scrum coach Matt Proudfoot, Erasmus will once again do a lot of tinkering with his lineup.

“They had 50 Springboks last year, and I think they’ll have 50 again this year. The upcoming Tests against Italy and Georgia are important, but not as intense as playing the All Blacks,” Proudfoot told SportsBoom.co.za. https://www.sportsboom.co.za/rugby

“That gives Rassie the room to rotate and rest the veterans for the Rugby Championship.”

With the Boks looking to win their third RWC title in a row, Proudfoot anticipated how Erasmus would handle his senior statesmen.

“There is a group of Springbok players coming to the back end of their international careers. Guys like Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, and Siya Kolisi will all be 36 in 2027. But I definitely think they can make it through.”

“Rassie will manage the experienced players this year, and next year the focus will shift to building towards the World Cup. Most of those older players will probably retire after that.”

@Michael_Sherman