Although many ageing veterans are still in the frame for Springbok selection this season, Rassie Erasmus’ back-to-back world champions could look totally different by the time of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Here we select a handful of Bok stalwarts that may not have the legs to go the distance in the journey towards the fabled threepeat.
Frans Malherbe
Alongside Ireland’s Tadhg Furlong, Malherbe has been the leading tighthead of the past decade of world rugby. In the colours of the Boks and Stormers, he has set new standards for prop forwards in the way of sheer quality of performance, even forming part of Erasmus’ defensive leadership core – an unusual thing for a player of his position.
Despite his 33-years-of-age still being ideal for a front ranker, a number of serious injury setbacks over the years, coupled with his mileage on the clock, makes it unlikely he will get to Australia 2027.
On top of that, the fact is that the great man has himself expressed doubts about his longevity, meaning we will have to accept the sad reality that Malherbe’s days in the green and gold are numbered.
Bongi Mbonambi
Like Malherbe, Mbonambi has already done a helluva lot of mileage and, again not unlike his tighthead buddy, his decision to continue playing for a local franchise as opposed to seeking a lighter playing schedule in Japan will come with a cost.
Top Dog has never been one to give less than 100% on the pitch, and while he may not yet have a clear out-and-out replacement in the national setup aside from Malcolm Marx, it would be a surprise – albeit a delightful one! – to see the 34-year-old still in the fold by the next World Cup.
Willie le Roux
Le Roux is just two Tests away from becoming the latest Bok centurion, with the 2025 season serving as the Bulls man’s final act in green and gold.
Erasmus and the Strandhond himself have hinted as much in various comments over the past 12-months, and it remains to be seen whether he will take on a coaching role within the Bok setup for Australia 2027 or whether he will still be playing, with recent rumours linking him with a move back to the Premiership.
Lukhanyo Am
Am has been rocked by a series of serious injuries over the past few seasons that have directly impacted his minutes in the Bok jersey.
There was a time not long ago when the Hollywoodbets Shark was universally accepted as the best No 13 on the planet, but his luckless recent run, coupled with his age, means his place at the next World Cup is far from certain. Considering the supreme conditioning of Japan-based Jesse Kriel and the continued rise of Canan Moodie, Am has a big two years ahead of him.
Steven Kitshoff
We may have already seen the last of the Spicy Plum on a rugby field following a freakish neck injury in last year’s Currie Cup that nearly cost him his life.
Following a successful operation, the Stormers legend wisely says he is in no rush to return, and he will seemingly make a call on his rugby-playing future when the time is right. If this is to be the end for the brilliant loosehead, he can rest easy knowing he will leave behind a mammoth legacy.
