Springboks: Rassie reveals players on their way out – Report
New Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named the players who are entering the latter stages of their career.
New Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named the players who are entering the latter stages of their career.
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The Rugby World Cup is traditionally marked by the end of careers and the birth of new stars. Whilst, the Springboks went back to back, there are plenty of changes on the horizon.
A new head coach, defence and assistant coach. Furthermore, several players are likely to have just played in their last RWC campaigns. Rassie revealed a couple of players who are unlikely to feature when the Boks defend their title in Australia in 2027.
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Surprisingly, Bok stalwart and enforcer Eben Etzebeth is one of the players who he discussed. Moreover, Rassie believes that Etzebeth and Bongi Mbonambi are both unlikely to feature at the next RWC.
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Speaking on Etzebeth’s Bok future, Rassie expressed doubt over him featuring in Australia in 2027.
“Eben is so athletic, but I don’t know if he still has a World Cup in him,” Erasmus said on BokSquad.
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Meanwhile, he is also concerned about the hooker department.
“We may also be a bit thin at hooker,” he added.
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Bongi will be turning 36 and is unlikely to feature then. Although we have seen the likes of Deon Fourie and Duane Vermeulen play passed these ages, neither player has played as much rugby as Etzebeth. Furthermore, Bongi is expected to play a lot of rugby in the next few years.
Malcolm Marx will be 33 and Joseph Dweba will turn 32. Therefore, both men are expected to feature if they are fit and in form.
WHEN ONE DOOR CLOSES, ANOTHER OPENS
With Rassie focusing on the need to develope a hooker and lock over the next four years, the door will open up to some promising stars.
At hooker, Akker van der Merwe is in scintillating form and he is likely to be given a chance next year. However, he will also be 32 at the next RWC. Therefore, the more likely long-term replacement is Johan Grobbelaar.
In the lock department, Ruan Nortje will be knocking at the door. Promising Lion Ruan Venter will strive to impress Bok selectors in time having shown plenty of promise to date.