Smit: Springboks' 'beef' producing pipeline strong

OVER the last few years, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has been preparing for the inevitable changing of the guard, as many South African rugby legends are heading towards retirement.

- JOHN GOLIATH

The pack of forwards, especially, is going to need the biggest overhaul between now and the end of the next Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. Legends such as props Frans Malherbe (34 years old), Vincent Koch (35), Bongi Mbonambi (34), Eben Etzebeth (33), and Siya Kolisi (34) are still playing well, but will soon hang up their boots. This is the main reason why Erasmus has handed out about 20 new caps over the last 18 months to try to prepare the new generation of players for the rigors of Test rugby, while also ensuring that his senior players aren’t overplayed.