The Springboks will have plenty of plans heading into the new Test season after head coach Rassie Erasmus completed his first alignment camp with 56 players in Cape Town this past week.
Listening to some of the youngsters called up to the two-day session, how they spoke about their first involvement with the national side, taking in all the information, it’s clear there will be a Plan A, B, and C when the mid-year matches start in July.
The world champions will play 15 Tests with two yet to be confirmed and a friendly match against the Barbarians in June which will kickstart their season.
Looking at the large pool of players at Erasmus’ disposal, it’s clear that he sees 2025 as another year to try out some new players in certain positions to see if they fit his plans. But it will not all be about the new generation as the Boks look set to give their experienced guys plenty of game time, but with an eye on extending their careers.
A few guys are nearing 100 Tests for the Springboks, and should they still be on top of their game, Erasmus has every intention of allowing them to reach that milestone.
That has always been the motto of the Boks’ mentor. When he started back in 2018, he didn't cut all the old wood out but rather built a squad around the experienced guys.
A message from the #Springboks coach at the conclusion of the first alignment camp 🗣#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/tLBdDleVKq
— Springboks (@Springboks) March 12, 2025
Ever since then, that has been the blueprint of his coaching style where he freshens up the group with just enough youngsters, but the core remains the stalwarts who’ve been his foundation.
The winning recipe won’t change this season and 2025 could be seen as the final year where Erasmus and his assistants can experiment to their heart’s content before the seriousness of the World Cup build-up starts in 2026.
But, winning will also be important ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw later this year and Erasmus has made no secret of it. The Springboks want to remain at the top for a more favourable draw, something they haven’t had in a while at World Cups.