Rugby director for South Africa, Rassie Erasmus, is doubtful that world-class lock Eben Etzebeth will be able to compete in the 2027 global championship.

The day after their 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final at the Stade de France, the second row celebrated their 32nd birthday.

Since making his debut in 2012, Etzebeth has earned well over 100 caps due to his remarkable durability throughout his career.

Having participated in two World Cup victories, he has undoubtedly eyed the chance to capture a third in 2027.

South Africa examples

While athletes in their mid-to late-30s may still perform at a high level, Etzebeth has accumulated more Test mileage than Deon Fourie and Duane Vermeulen.

Erasmus said to Rapport, “I don’t know if he has another World Cup in him, but he is so athletic.”

By the time of the next World Cup, Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx will be 37 and 33 years old, respectively, which worries the director of rugby for the Springboks.

After Marx sustained an injury, Fourie, who has been a flanker for the previous several seasons, stepped in, but behind that, the stocks currently appear a little empty.

“We might be a little shorthanded at the hooker position,” Erasmus stated after commending his team’s handling of injuries during the world cup.

“With Deon Fourie at hooker, we won the World Cup even though Bongi Mbonambi was substituted early in the match. Lood de Jager was lost. He said, “We lost Lukhanyo Am.

Erasmus then took a closer look at the fly-half alternatives, where they have several young, talented players.

Manie Libbok, a player who had some success during the World Cup but whom the coaches would not trust for the final, is leading them.

That turned out to be the right decision, as Handre Polla