As the Springboks continue to plot and plan their road to the 2027 World Cup, it’s evident that coach Rassie Erasmus intends to carefully manage the game time of certain stalwarts.
The fact that the majority of the 2023 roster should still be eligible for selection is a significant bonus for the Springboks’ championship defence, but some players will be nearing the end of their careers.
In reality, several players from France’s World Cup-winning group may end their international careers this year.
Which World Cup-winning players may be hanging up their Springbok boots?
Trevor Nyakane has unquestionably been one of the Springboks’ most popular and influential players throughout history. The big man has played 68 Tests and was part of the winning World Cup squads in 2019 and 2023, as well as the series victory over the British and Irish Lions in 2021.
However, it was revealed that the 35-year-old only played one Test against Portugal last year, indicating that the Springboks were beginning to consider other options.
The Springboks understand what they have in Nyakane, and he provides an experienced ‘insurance policy’ if there are injuries up front, but there is also a fair likelihood that we have seen the last of the affable front rower in the green and gold, which is a sad scenario.
Deon Fourie also played an important part for the Springboks in the previous World Cup, but given that the Stormers veteran will be 41 years old at the next global championship, it’s logical that national coaches will not consider him a current contender for a recall to the Test stage.
The experienced utility forward just made a notable comeback from a terrible injury, but he will most likely end his storied career with the Stormers rather than the Springboks.
Meanwhile, it is widely known that Steven Kitshoff’s career is on the line as a significant neck injury threatens to drive the influential prop into early retirement.
Although the 32-year-old has expressed a desire to return to action, it all depends on how his recuperation progresses and the advice of medical professionals. Unfortunately, it appears that he may be forced to hang up his boots.
It will certainly be a sad day when popular wing Makazole Mapimpi retires from his Springbok career, but the fact is that he will be 35 years old in July.
Mapimpi has confessed that he is unlikely to make it to the next World Cup, therefore this season could be his last with the Springboks before they focus only on the players who will compete in the 2027 global championship.
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