Springboks boss Rassie Erasmus hints that there may be even more rotation next year as they ramp up their preparations ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Since winning the global tournament in 2023, South Africa have continued to impress, losing just four games over the past two campaigns.
They have claimed back-to-back Rugby Championship titles and are the undisputed number one side in the world.
The Boks very much proved that during their northern hemisphere tour as they claimed five successive wins, including away triumphs over France and Ireland.
Erasmus understands the need to bring through the younger players with most of their double World Cup winners the wrong side of 30, but he believes that they have done that pretty well so far.
Bringing through the next generation
Asked following their 73-0 demolition of Wales about giving more game time to their next generation, the 53-year-old feels that they are already doing so.
“I can probably disagree with you a bit if you don’t mind. Zach (Porthen) is pretty young, Grobbies (Johan Grobbelaar) is 27, Asenathi (Ntlabakanye) is under 30, Ruan (Nortje) is 27,” he told reporters.
“Cameron Hanekom was injured, Elrigh (Louw) was injured, Krappies (Morne van den Berg) is 25 or 26, Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) is 22, Canan (Moodie) is 22, Ethan (Hooker) is 23, Damian Willemse is 27, so we’ve given a lot of guys chances.”
There is still a hugely experienced core to this Springboks team and most of the players may make it through to the World Cup but, if they don’t, those individuals can be safe in the knowledge that they put them in a strong position going into the tournament with the draw next week.
“I know it’s going to sound weird but the Autumn Nations Series is like a mini-World Cup for tier one nations next year,” Erasmus said.
“This year for us, ending top of the table was pretty important. We never look at the world rankings but this year we didn’t know if it would be beneficial when the [World Cup] draw comes up – we’re not sure what will happen.”
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Erasmus taking a risk
While the Boks are in the midst of that transition, Erasmus does acknowledge that those younger players will need more experience at Test level.
As a result, they will likely get their chances next season, but that comes with its own inherent risk.
South Africa have shown an ability to get results while rotating but they face a particularly tough schedule in 2026.
“Next year with the Greatest Rivalry and all that, I’m not so sure we will put so much emphasis on the Autumn Nations Series because I believe 18 months out from a World Cup that’s when you really start knowing your World Cup squad,” the Springboks head coach added.
“Next year, even thought we only play really good strength teams the whole year, I think we will try and get more caps into guys.”