World champions South Africa tackle the Barbarians in a non-cap exhibition match on Saturday to kick off what head coach Rassie Erasmus says will be a "really tough season".
After the match at Cape Town Stadium, the Springboks play at least 13 tests, including away clashes with fellow powerhouses New Zealand (twice), France and Ireland.
Erasmus, a key figure in the back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs of 2019 and 2023 that lifted the Springboks to a record four titles, says he has two major goals this year.
"First, we need to win as many matches as possible because the draw for the 2027 World Cup in Australia will be made this December," he told reporters.
South Africa currently top the world rankings, ahead of greatest rivals New Zealand, Ireland, France and Argentina.
If they remain first, the Springboks hope to receive a more favourable pool draw than in 2023 when they had to face Ireland, who they lost to, and Scotland in the mini-league phase.
"Second, we need to increase our squad depth. Ideally, I want at least three players vying for each position in the next World Cup squad," said Erasmus.
"We have to keep winning while experimenting. Some of our 2023 World Cup winners are ageing, but they want to go to Australia, and there are many young players also seeking selection."
It is widely expected that much of the experimentation will take place early in the season with the Barbarians match followed by three home tests against Italy (two) and Georgia in July.
Australia, fresh from a series against the British and Irish Lions, visit South Africa in August for two Rugby Championship tests.
The Springboks then travel to New Zealand for showdowns in Auckland and Wellington having won the last four encounters in a fierce rivalry that began 105 years ago.
'DAUNTING'
Internationals against Argentina in Durban and London complete the southern hemisphere commitments of the title-holders.
Clashes with France and Ireland highlight a November tour of Europe that also includes visits to Italy and Wales.
Erasmus hopes to squeeze an extra test into the schedule, possibly against Japan on November 1.
"I do not think any of us were born the last time we won at Eden Park (Auckland). That will be a big challenge," said Erasmus, referring to South Africa last winning there in 1937.
"Then we go on one of the most daunting end-of-season tours undertaken by the Springboks. It is a tough year and if our planning is not spot on, it will not be a great one."
South Africa had a largely successful 2024, winning 11 of 13 tests, and the losses at home to Ireland and in Argentina were both by a single point.
But Erasmus is wary of any complacency seeping into the squad, saying there are lessons to be learnt from English Premiership and French Top 14 clubs.
"I was interested to see how Northampton beat Leinster in a Champions Cup semifinal in Dublin. There are things they did that make sense to us.
"We can also learn from watching the leading French clubs. There is physicality from them, going seven-one and six-two on the bench."
For the BaaBaas match, Erasmus has included four newcomers in his matchday 23 – hooker Marnus van der Merwe, tighthead props Asenathi Ntlabakanye and Neethling Fouche and flanker Vincent Tshituka.
However, the quartet will have to wait for their first Springboks caps as the game is not an official test.
The match marks the return of veteran lock Lood de Jager. An inflammation of the lining around the heart ruled him out of the 2023 World Cup, then he suffered a serious shoulder injury.