As the Springboks gear up for the 2025 season, Rassie Erasmus has started outlining a comprehensive strategy for both the players and management, with a clear focus on the 2027 World Cup as the ultimate objective.
While many of the players from the 2019 squad should still be available for selection in 2027, some will be approaching their mid-30s. Erasmus faces the challenge of managing this mix of experience and youth carefully.
Erasmus understands the importance of maintaining a solid foundation of experienced players for the next World Cup, but he also knows that bringing in fresh talent is essential for keeping the team competitive and energised. This will require a delicate balancing act, as some senior players may not feature every week.
“The key message we’ve communicated is that it will take a collective effort this season. It won’t be just a group of 23 or 25 players carrying us forward,” Erasmus said.
The experienced players are aware that in order to extend their careers, they need to pass on their knowledge to the younger generation. At the same time, the younger players understand that the opportunity is there for them to earn a spot in the matchday 23.
“We won’t always field the same squad, so it’s beneficial for both the younger players and coaches to explore new ideas,” Erasmus added. “We’ll continue with this approach in our alignment camps for overseas players, which will start next week. It’s just 12 weeks until we all reunite, and the interactions within the camp have been very productive.”
