Just how much has the Springbok team changed in the last three years? It is a good question. And one that is debated in terms of creating more depth among Rassie Erasmus’ squad as they head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But while in 2019 the Boks lost just one player - Tendai Mtawarira - to retirement after the Rugby World Cup, it would surprise you that no less than a dozen players that took part in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final are not playing anymore in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series for the Boks, and many are unlikely to be back in the squad for 2027’s version in Australia.
In the meantime Erasmus has expanded the squad, using more than 50 players each season to try and get depth, and while the team has been virtually the same for the four tests in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the scope of the depth ahead of the Rugby World Cup will be key as the Boks look to add a third consecutive title to their trophy cabinet.
In 2024 that started, and Erasmus played no less than 52 players during the regular season, while in 2025 it was 50. The loss in the first test against the All Blacks possibly stunted that this season, with no less than 36 players currently being used, and that should rise a bit by the end of the year to more than 40.
Considering he can only pick 33 for next year’s Rugby World Cup, Erasmus will know exactly who can go and who will not make the final cut, remembering that a year is a long time in rugby.
But looking back to 2023, this is the team that took the field and were in reserve for the one point win over the All Blacks. Consider how different it looks to the team that will take the field against the All Blacks three years later in Baltimore.
World Cup final team: Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (c), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse;
Reserves: Deon Fourie, Ox Nché, Trevor Nyakane, Jean Kleyn, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese, Willie le Roux.
That’s why it is interesting to note that while there still are a number of double World Cup winners in the side, a number have already either retired or fallen by the wayside, while others are injured and in doubt of returning. The make-up of the 2027 squad may be a familiar one, but there will be quite a few players falling by the wayside.
THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT|
Below we will look at those who have left and where they are right now.
Steven Kitshoff - Retired due to injury, now a master of podcasts, has a book out and the occasional appearance on Supersport.
Bongi Mbonambi - injured and unavailable, although Rassie expects him to be back in action in the next month or so, and is waiting for the Sharks medical team to clear him.
Frans Malherbe - long term injury, and while there have been rumours that he won’t play again, Erasmus recently said he expects him back in February.
Duane Vermeulen - retired after 2023 and is now one of the coaching team for the Boks.
Faf de Klerk - one of the players who has fallen by the wayside, although was selected on the bench for the season opening non-test against the Barbarians. Has joined the Cheetahs and was influential in their Currie Cup campaign, but unlikely to return unless there is an injury.
Trevor Nyakane - now also a podcaster and while he has not retired, he hasn’t been on the field for a long time and faces a tough road back.
Jean Kleyn - unlucky with injuries and missed the entire international season but should return
RG Snyman - another unlucky with injuries and should return in time for 2027.
Kwagga Smith - with Snyman a massive loss for the Bok bench, but should return from a long term injury in time for 2027.
Willie le Roux - hasn’t retired and is still on the Bulls’ roster, but widely acknowledged to only be in line for a Bok call-up if there are injuries.
On top of these, two other players - Franco Mostert and Handre Pollard - both have not played one test of the RGR series, bringing the total to 12 when comparing the current crop in this series to the 2023 final.
DEPTH DESPITE CHANGE
Now the All Blacks could do the same and would have a very different team as well, but they have been through two coaches since and that would be expected.
The Boks, knowing their drive for depth alongside continuity, are a fascinating example of how we haven’t even noticed this, and how they have kept on winning more than 80 per cent of their games while keeping themselves at No 1 in the world.
And there is depth, and while the Boks may have stumbled in test one, there are two front rows that can slot in, Ruan Nortje has become a regular at lock and Jasper Wiese has made eight his own. Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach and Morne van den Berg seem to have locked down the nine, while Damian Willemse is an easy choice at 15.
In each position where someone has fallen by the wayside - via retirement, injury or otherwise, the Boks have depth. And they are actively giving them caps.
So while Saturday may have a very familiar look to the match-day 23, the change has happened, and it has happened silently. And the Boks will have a squad that is familiar for 2027, but with new and exciting faces as well.