Uncertainty now for Springboks as winning era ends
Uncertainty now for Springboks as stalwarts near the end

After winning the World Cup, South Africa faces an uncertain future as they bid farewell to many of the team’s mainstays as their Test careers come to an end and they wait for the appointment of a new coach.
The team that defeated New Zealand 12-11 in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France on Saturday has plenty of time to get things in order as they won’t play for seven months.
The first issue to be resolved concerns Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus, who is regarded as the unconventional genius responsible for the nation’s multiple World Cup victories.

He was the team’s coach in 2019 when they won in Japan, but he changed his position and gave it to his seasoned assistant Jacques Nienaber.
Nienaber is departing to become a member of the Leinster staff, while Felix Jones, a former Irish international and valuable member of the South African coaching staff, is joining England as an assistant coach under Steve Borthwick.
Both are expected to be greatly missed and have received praise for their analytical work and attention to detail.

Duane Vermeulen, 37, who most likely played his final game in Saturday’s championship game, is anticipated to become a member of the staff after serving in the coach’s box during the competition in France.
The winning team has not discussed giving up on the game or their international careers, but as the 31-year-old center Damian de Allende (below) noted when asked if he will stick with the Boks, the intensity of the World Cup campaign takes a toll.
Following Saturday’s victory, the former Munster back stated, “I would love to say yes, but at the moment I have to take it year by year.”
My body is healing a little more slowly now that I’m getting older. Both this week and previous week were difficult.”
Twenty of South Africa’s 35 players are 30 years of age or older, and several are likely nearing the end of their Test careers as a new four-year cycle gets underway ahead of the next World Cup in Australia in 2027.
Midway through the year, South Africa will host a home series against Ireland before competing in the annual Rugby Championship alongside Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. Then, in mid-November, the team will embark on a tour of Europe, which will include a Test match against England at Twickenham.