Rassie Erasmus prepares for match against Italy and plans squad changes for the Springboks

Rassi Erasmus faces the challenge of deciding which players from the Springboks and young forwards of the South African national team should be retired, and whom to support to form a team capable of winning a third consecutive World Cup.

World Cups are often remembered by teams that crossed the line when their emotional coaches could not let go of aging stars. However, Erasmus will not allow such a scenario, as the 'Boks' are preparing to defend their title in Australia next year.

His November squad demonstrates an understanding of this task. The inclusion of several promising young players is aimed not at a complete overhaul of the South African national team, but at ensuring the readiness of the next generation for when the current elite leaves the field.

Young talents such as Yakin Ahmed, Luan Gillime, Marcus Müller, and Riley Norton were included, while Sebastian de Clercq and Emmanuel Tsituka took their places due to good form in the United Rugby Championship.

As the South African national team's opening match against Italy in Adelaide on October 3, 2027, approaches, Erasmus has little time to determine which young players can transition from promising candidates to genuine contenders for the Tests.

The November tour is seen as the ideal opportunity for this determination. At the beginning of the year, Erasmus set two key goals for 2026: achieving victory in the 'Great Rugby Rivalry' and building squad depth during international matches in July and November.

He followed this plan in July, making significant changes to the lineup for matches against Scotland and Wales after fielding his strongest team against England. Now, ahead of another intense series of games, the focus is on finding players who can withstand the pressure of international rugby without lowering the standard of the South African team's victories.

Erasmus acknowledges the value of investing in youth. The South African junior team won the U-20 Rugby World Cup in both 2025 and 2026, providing a promising stream of talent for the senior team.

Fourteen players from these recent junior successes have already gained experience in the United Rugby Championship, and three—Wusi Moyo, Jaco Williams, and Norton—have advanced to play for the senior South African team.

This is an encouraging result, but the real test is how many of them can establish themselves as permanent international players and, ultimately, World Cup contenders.

Rugby in South Africa has previously shown similar progress. The 2002 Junior World Cup champions under Jake White included John Smith, Shalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Frikkie du Preez, and Ricky Januarie. They became central figures in the triumph of the South African team at the 2007 World Cup, where Smith led the team to glory.

The takeaway is not that every junior champion will become a star in the senior squad, but that a strong development system can lay the foundation for future international success.

School rugby is also becoming increasingly professional, helping young athletes arrive in senior squads better prepared for the demands of elite competition. Erasmus has an additional advantage in close cooperation with South Africa's U-20 coach, Kevin Fourie, which gives him insight into the progress and potential of young players long before they reach the senior squad.

His current task is to turn this potential into reliable squad depth for the Tests. This does not mean throwing a handful of young players into deep water and hoping they learn to swim. Erasmus usually prefers to introduce newcomers gradually, surrounding them with experienced veterans who can help them settle in.

The November opponents must provide a tough test. Italy is capable of causing problems for the South African team, regardless of its world ranking. Old rivals France and Ireland will be very difficult opponents.

Erasmus acknowledged that the National Championship format adds extra motivation, as every earned point could be decisive in the race for the top of the table.

South Africa is currently leading the Southern Hemisphere rankings in points difference, with 15 points, the same as New Zealand. The South African team will play Italy on November 7, France on November 13, and Ireland on November 21, before the Final weekend in London from November 27 to 29.

The immediate goal is to win, but the long-term mission is no less important. Erasmus must determine which veterans are still playing a vital role, which young players are ready right now, and where succession planning remains incomplete.

As head coach Rassie Erasmus focuses on the November international window and the upcoming World Cup matches, the Springboks management continues to balance the experience of World Cup winners with the need for squad renewal.

Ahead of the intense end-of-year tour, several young talents and versatile performers present compelling arguments for inclusion in the team, especially following injuries to some key players such as Cheslin Kolbe and Andre Esterhuizen.

Below is an overview of six potential players who may be considered when forming the November squad.

Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks | Wing/Fullback)

The young prodigy from Westville Boys' High made a notable transition into the Sharks starting lineup, attracting attention through several explosive performances. He is capable of playing comfortably across all three defensive positions—as both fullback and wing—and could serve as a full replacement for Kolbe. An added advantage is that he wears a helmet tape.

His natural instincts and ability for explosive counter-attacking football make him a promising long-term player.

Riley Norton (Stormers | Lock/Flank)

This multi-talented athlete, who previously represented South Africa U19 in cricket, has fully dedicated himself to rugby. His physical development over the last two seasons has been phenomenal. A former captain of the Paul Roos team, he led the junior Springboks to the 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship title before moving to the Stormers.

Already possessing experience playing in major Springbok vs. Barbarians rugby, this 1.99m lock has immense work ethic and excellent lineout skills.

Sebastian de Klerk (Bulls | Wing/Centre)

After another setback injury in March, De Klerk has returned to fitness and started the new season for the Bulls in good form. He plays equally well on the wing or shifting inside to the centre position. De Klerk was previously part of the Springboks squad but was sidelined for six months due to a foot injury.

His versatility and high off-ball work rate meet Erasmus's requirements for his wide defenders in terms of defense and aerial play.

Henco van Wyk (Lions | Outside Centre)

Dubbed 'Weapon X' for his ferocious and explosive running style and uncompromising midfield defense, Van Wyk is one of the most powerful centres in South African rugby. He brings the ability to change the course of the game through forward breaks and dominant channel 13 battles, thanks to a unique combination of strength and speed.

However, given his physical capabilities to break into open space, it is worth considering using him at inside centre in the absence of Esterhuizen.

Siba Mahashe (Lions | Flanker/No 8)

Following injuries to Quagga Smith and Esterhuizen, Erasmus will be looking for fresh blood on the bench, and Sibabalwe Mahashe could be that player. His explosive ball-carrying, work ethic, and high success rate in tackles make him a dynamic option capable of making a decisive contribution in the final quarter of matches.

Mahashe also possesses good intelligence, as he is the captain of the Border team at Craven Week U13 and has managed the SA Schools team.

Jonathan Roche (Stormers | Centre)

A product of Bishops and UCT schools, Roche has gradually earned a reputation as a classic, strong midfielder within the Stormers structure. Offering reliable ball distribution, defensive communication, and direct forward penetration, Roche presents an interesting option at inside centre. There were recent reports of interest from the Irish, but he remains loyal to the Stormers with the dream of wearing the Springbok jersey.

Veteran prop Yonela Ngxingolo of the Springbok Women could achieve a significant career milestone if she plays in the upcoming match against Ireland on Saturday at Athlone Stadium. This fixture is part of the first of two WXV Global Series Tests, scheduled for 3 pm kick-off in the Mother City.

The national coaching staff has implemented several adjustments to the squad that previously faced Spain. Ngxingolo, whose debut occurred in 2018, would become only the second player to reach 50 caps for the national team, following in the footsteps of the retired Nolusindiso Booi.

Due to injuries to regular captain and tighthead prop Babalwa Latsha, flanker Sizophila Solontsi will assume the captaincy for these two home Tests. Additionally, Xoliswa Khuzwayo will take the No 3 position in this particular contest, having played at loosehead against Spain.

The Boks team is set to compete against Ireland, which is currently ranked fifth globally, marking their first encounter since 2006. Co-head coach Franzel September anticipates a demanding challenge from the opposition.

Комментарии руководства команды

September stated that success will belong to the team that manages the less favorable moments during the game most effectively. He noted that despite only two forced changes due to tighthead injuries, he is pleased with the integration of the new props, who have been part of the system throughout the year.

He added that the team is enthusiastic about Ngxingolo's potential milestone. September praised her development within the team, mentioning that she has recently provided valuable contributions from the replacement bench. He expressed confidence in her ability to perform when selected, noting excitement for her and her family.

September further elaborated on the strategic importance of the substitutes in the match. South Africa has chosen a six-two split for the bench, though it can operate as a traditional five-three setup utilizing the hybrid Aphiwe Ngwevu, who can cover both flanker and inside centre roles.

This flexibility allows September and his coaches to reinforce either the forwards or the backs depending on when they decide to utilize the utility player. He highlighted Ngwevu's growth in this capacity, citing her appearances as a centre against Italy and as a loose forward against Spain. He emphasized that her physical attributes and defensive capabilities offer significant advantages from the bench, regardless of whether she plays in the backline or as a loose forward.

Состав Springbok Women

The starting lineup includes 15 Jakkie Cilliers, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Maceala Samboya, 12 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 11 Maria Tshiremba, 10 Byrhandré Dolf, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Lerato Makua, 6 Sizophila Solontsi (captain), 5 Catha Jacobs, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Xoliswa Khuzwayo, 2 Anushka Groenewald, and 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie. The reserve players consist of 16 Lindelwa Gwala, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Thandile Mazwi, 19 Danelle Lochner, 20 Logan Welman, 21 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, and 23 Mary Zulu.