By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Rassie Erasmus, has indicated a strategic focus as the Springboks prepare for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, aiming for a historic third consecutive victory.
Speaking on the eve of the first national alignment camp of 2026, which starts in Cape Town on Tuesday, Erasmus noted that there will be less room for experimentation, a decision stemming from extensive trials conducted in 2025.
Springboks begin their season with a non-cap match against the Barbarians in Gqeberha on 20 June before launching their Nations Championship campaign against England at Ellis Park on 4 July.
“The focus is very much on that Barbarians match and building into the England Test at Ellis Park,” Erasmus said on Monday.
While winning remains paramount, the Bok coach stressed the importance of long-term planning.
“We averaged nine changes per game last year, so we’re not under pressure to suddenly experiment,” he said. “But depth is crucial. You might lose four or five players in one position. Succession planning is key.
“If we keep winning, continuity helps. But we’ll always try to build five or six deep in every position. That’s what gives you a chance at a World Cup.”
Team manager Charles Wessels outlined a demanding schedule.
“The Springboks will be together for 135 days this year,” he said. “We are playing 13 Tests and 14 matches in total. We are 581 days away from kicking off our 2027 World Cup campaign against Italy.”
Wessels confirmed the Boks will play 20 Tests before the global showpiece.
After the first three Nations Cup games the Boks will head to Buenos Aires to face Argentina, a game that will fall roughly halfway through the five-week gap between the July games and the start of the four-match test series against the All Blacks, ‘The Greatest Rivalry Series’.
They will conclude the series in Baltimore in the United States, and fly from there to Perth, where they will face Australia in another friendly, but with the trip having the dual purpose of giving the Boks a taste of one of their bases for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.