Rassie aims to blend Bok youth with experience

SHOULD his plans fall in place, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus wants to use at least seven of the 14 rugby matches this year to keep his older guard fit and ready to continue playing at the highest level.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

With the other seven, he will be able to give the younger players more experience at the highest level ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, helping them achieve a target of at least 14 or 15 Test caps ahead of the tournament.

The Boks are set to play 13 Tests this year, and will start the season with a friendly match against the Barbarians, next Saturday in Cape Town. An additional Test for later this year must still be confirmed by SA Rugby.

Erasmus has said keeping his experienced guys fit and getting caps into the next generation as the goals for the next two seasons.

He believes this approach will prepare them well for their title defence in Australia.

However, he acknowledges the need to win and secure a top-three finish in the international rankings for a better World Cup draw.