Coach Rassie Erasmus requests 15 matches to filter players and give others an opportunity
05 March 2025 - 14:35
by Nick Said
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Rassie Erasmus interacts with the media at Tygerberg Park in Cape Town on Wednesday. Picture: REUTERS
SA are looking to add two more Tests to their calendar for 2025 and will also play the Barbarians on June 28 after coach Rassie Erasmus requested 15 fixtures to help him assess players two years out from the next Rugby World Cup.
The details around the extra two Tests have not been revealed but Erasmus wants as much game time as possible in 2025 with players set to be in camp for 137 days.
“We are hoping for 15 matches and they will likely be confirmed in the next few weeks,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“We have a really tough season but we need that. We still want to filter some players and give others an opportunity.
“We want to win but we always have an eye on the future. We are looking at our options in all positions.”
The Springboks will be hoping for a hat-trick of World Cup titles in Australia in 2027, with several of their players coming to the end of their careers and are touch-and-go for that tournament.
But while he conceded this will be a transition year to an extent, Erasmus is reluctant to discard his tried and trusted players based solely on whether they may be at the tournament in two years’ time.
“We cannot plan a guy’s career just around a World Cup,” he said.
“If he is still the best in his position then it would be unfair not to pick him. But that is why we want 15 matches, to give other guys a chance.”
SA will play in New Zealand twice in the Rugby Championship and have away fixtures against France and Ireland in November.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be 34 this year, and 36 by the time the tournament in Australia is played. He has become an icon of SA sport having captained the side to their two previous triumphs.
“If a guy is 34-36 and injury-free, and is the fittest he can be, as long as he is number one in his position, he will stay captain,” Erasmus said. “If Siya is fit and healthy, I don’t think there will be a change this year.”
The return of assistant coach Felix Jones after a short spell with England will be a boost to the Springboks, according to Erasmus.
“We never wanted to lose Felix, he went home for his family. It didn’t work out for whatever reason there [with England],” he said.
“He is a very driven man. His rugby brain and work ethic is something that will be used in all departments. We share a lot [of responsibilities].”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Springboks eye two more Tests in 2025
Coach Rassie Erasmus requests 15 matches to filter players and give others an opportunity
SA are looking to add two more Tests to their calendar for 2025 and will also play the Barbarians on June 28 after coach Rassie Erasmus requested 15 fixtures to help him assess players two years out from the next Rugby World Cup.
The details around the extra two Tests have not been revealed but Erasmus wants as much game time as possible in 2025 with players set to be in camp for 137 days.
“We are hoping for 15 matches and they will likely be confirmed in the next few weeks,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
“We have a really tough season but we need that. We still want to filter some players and give others an opportunity.
“We want to win but we always have an eye on the future. We are looking at our options in all positions.”
The Springboks will be hoping for a hat-trick of World Cup titles in Australia in 2027, with several of their players coming to the end of their careers and are touch-and-go for that tournament.
But while he conceded this will be a transition year to an extent, Erasmus is reluctant to discard his tried and trusted players based solely on whether they may be at the tournament in two years’ time.
“We cannot plan a guy’s career just around a World Cup,” he said.
“If he is still the best in his position then it would be unfair not to pick him. But that is why we want 15 matches, to give other guys a chance.”
SA will play in New Zealand twice in the Rugby Championship and have away fixtures against France and Ireland in November.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi will be 34 this year, and 36 by the time the tournament in Australia is played. He has become an icon of SA sport having captained the side to their two previous triumphs.
“If a guy is 34-36 and injury-free, and is the fittest he can be, as long as he is number one in his position, he will stay captain,” Erasmus said. “If Siya is fit and healthy, I don’t think there will be a change this year.”
The return of assistant coach Felix Jones after a short spell with England will be a boost to the Springboks, according to Erasmus.
“We never wanted to lose Felix, he went home for his family. It didn’t work out for whatever reason there [with England],” he said.
“He is a very driven man. His rugby brain and work ethic is something that will be used in all departments. We share a lot [of responsibilities].”
Reuters
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