Why Boks must continue to innovate and experiment

IF THERE’S one thing the Springboks have proven since lifting the World Cup fora record fourth time in 2023, it’s that they understand timing in the context of rugby - when they should peak, when to rest stars, and when to adapt.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

That is exactly why Bok guru Rassie Erasmus and his management should continue experimenting with combinations during this year’s Rugby Championship, rather than stopping and focusing on settled combinations, as he said they would.

As the next edition of the Southern Hemisphere tournament begins, the world champions should resist the temptation to stick with a tried-and-tested core and instead double down on innovation.

It will maintain the unpredictability of the team, it will continue to limit the analysis opposition can do on the team and certain players, while keeping most of the senior players fresh.

Modern-day rugby is brutal and demanding. The country's top players face a condensed calendar of club and international matches.