The Springboks are on a mission, but 2026 is a crucial stepping stone to rugby glory. Rassie Erasmus and his team have their sights firmly set on the 2027 World Cup, aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title. But to get there, they'll need to fine-tune their game plan and develop new talent in the upcoming year. Let's dive into what's on the SA Rugby wishlist for 2026.
Eyes on the Prize: The 2027 World Cup
Erasmus has made it clear: the 2027 World Cup in Australia is the ultimate goal. Over the past two seasons, the coaching staff has encouraged a more attacking style of play, potentially preparing for the faster pitches Down Under. They've also been busy experimenting with new players and combinations, giving opportunities to a whopping 50 players in both 2024 and 2025. The focus is on finding the right balance between experienced veterans and promising youngsters, ensuring the Boks are ready to compete at the highest level.
Young guns like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, and Elrigh Louw have already been given significant responsibilities in big games. Expect to see even more of these rising stars and other less-established players adding to their Test cap tallies in 2026. Keep an eye out for players like Zac Porthen, who is seen as a versatile prop, and BJ Dixon, who could be a direct replacement for Pieter-Steph du Toit. The Stormer, Paul de Villiers, is also expected to get a look-in, especially for the home games against Scotland and Wales in July, and potentially against Australia in September. Cameron Hanekom and Sebastian de Klerk, if they perform well for the Bulls, could also be in the mix. And let's not forget the Junior Bok trio of Batho Hlekani, Haashim Pead, and Cheswill Jooste, who trained with the senior squad – could we see them make their mark in 2026?
Greatest Short-Term Goal: Dominating the All Blacks
While the inaugural Nations Championship might not be the top priority, the rivalry with the All Blacks certainly is. The last time the All Blacks toured South Africa for a three-Test series in 1996, they won the rubber 2-1. However, in the last eight years, the Boks have turned the tables, and in the last three, they've dominated, winning five of the last seven Tests. With the first three games of the next four-Test series in South Africa, the Boks are the favorites. They should aim to win at least two of the three games on home soil.
But here's where it gets controversial... Is it too ambitious to hope for a clean sweep? Maybe. But Erasmus and his team should be aiming for at least three wins out of four. Even if the All Blacks manage to win two, they'll consider their mission a success, given the Boks' current world ranking and the challenge of playing consecutive Tests in South Africa.
Kings in the North: Testing the Waters
While the Boks may not be chasing the Nations Championship title, they should be targeting marquee fixtures against northern hemisphere teams, who could be World Cup contenders in two years' time. It's a pity that the clash against England is scheduled at the beginning of July, rather than at the end. The Boks will have to hit the ground running in the first Test of the season. The match against the Barbarians should provide some of the players with a chance to shake off the rust, but this contest is unlikely to simulate Test match intensity.
The Boks should be eager to prove a point against an England side that could reach the final in 2027. The back-end of the Nations Championship should test the quality and depth of the Boks. The fixtures in Italy, Paris, Dublin – and possibly the decider itself, which will be staged in London – will simulate the pressure and intensity of a four-game World Cup playoff structure that is set to be introduced in 2027. Erasmus and company will view the November block of the Nations Championship as a good opportunity to make a World Cup statement.
Improving the Pipeline: Building for the Future
Erasmus is building a team to peak at the 2027 World Cup, but there's evidence to suggest the Boks will be even stronger in 2031. SA Rugby recently extended Erasmus’ contract for another four years, and the Bok boss will have the chance to strengthen and improve the national structures in the coming seasons. The development programs and initiatives implemented by Erasmus himself some 10 years ago are starting to bear fruit. Younger franchise players, Junior Boks, and some of the nation’s best schoolboys should push for Test selection in the next World Cup cycle. Junior Bok coach Kevin Foote and SA Rugby general manager of high performance Dave Wessels have been tasked with fixing the pipeline between junior and senior rugby, and will look to build on the success of 2025. The Junior Boks won the World Rugby U20 Championship this past June, and will look to defend their title when they travel to Georgia in 2026.
At the franchise level, the Stormers have started to get things right in terms of their development and results. If they progress to the playoffs of the Champions Cup and URC in the first half of 2026 – and their younger players are exposed to that level of pressure and intensity – it will only boost the national side in the long run. The Bulls, Sharks, and Lions all have their individual problems and should be struggling in the URC or even across the European competitions to such an alarming degree. The Johannesburg-based franchise has to make changes across the board if they are to become realistic playoff contenders in future seasons.
What do you think? Will the Springboks dominate in 2026 and beyond? Are there any players you're particularly excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
