Springboks call-up 39-year-old Rugby World Cup winner for All Blacks series

Monday, 10 August 2026 at 15:08

byTom Sansom

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has called up veteran utility forward Deon Fourie to his squad for the historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand.

The 39-year-old has been rewarded for his return to top-level rugby after a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury and will join the Springboks in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

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Fourie, who can operate at both loose forward and hooker, last represented South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at the Stade de France.

He made his long-awaited return to competitive rugby on Friday night, featuring for the DHL Stormers against the All Blacks in the opening match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at DHL Stadium.

The Rugby World Cup winner now returns to the Springbok setup to provide Erasmus with another experienced option among his forwards.

Fourie has won 10 Test caps for South Africa and played a key role in the squad that lifted the 2023 World Cup in France. His call-up comes as the Springboks prepare for an unprecedented four-Test series against New Zealand.

The opening match will take place at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August, before the sides meet again at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on 29 August. The third Test will be staged at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on 5 September, before the historic series concludes at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September.

The Springboks returned to South Africa in two groups following their Test against Argentina, with the final group due to arrive in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

Fourie's inclusion adds another experienced head to Erasmus' squad as South Africa prepare for what promises to be one of the most demanding stretches of their 2026 campaign.

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Pool stage draw

South Africa have been placed in Pool B alongside Italy, Georgia and Romania.

It looks like a favourable draw for the reigning world champions, with Italy expected to be their biggest rival for first place. Georgia's physical approach and Romania's powerful set piece should still demand respect, but South Africa will expect to top the group.

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Round of 16

The Springboks are currently projected to face the runner-up from Pool E, which is likely to be Japan or the USA depending on how that group develops.

Either side would be viewed as a manageable opponent, although South Africa will not have forgotten their famous defeat to Japan in 2015. They should still be expected to progress comfortably.

Quarter-finals

A quarter-final against one of the leading Tier 1 nations appears most likely, with New Zealand or Australia the probable opponents. England are an outside possibility, but that would require them to finish third in their pool, making that scenario unlikely.

Pool A is expected to be won by either New Zealand or Australia. While the All Blacks look stronger on paper, Australia will benefit from home advantage. Whoever emerges will provide South Africa's first major challenge of the tournament.

Semi-finals

The most likely opponents would come from the top half of Pool E, with France, Ireland, Argentina and Scotland all potential contenders. If results go as expected, France are the team most likely to reach this stage.

Although Les Bleus have occasionally found southern hemisphere opposition difficult, their world class talent makes them one of the strongest teams in the competition and a serious obstacle.

Final

England are the most likely opponents if South Africa reach the final, although New Zealand cannot be ruled out. England, Ireland and Argentina all appear well placed to come through the opposite side of the draw.

If the All Blacks fail to win their pool, they would also only be able to face the Springboks in the final.

Predicted Springboks World Cup route:

Pool Stage: 1st
Round of 16: Japan
Quarter-final: New Zealand
Semi-final: France
Final: England

2027 World Cup Draw

Pool A

New Zealand
Australia
Chile
Hong Kong

Pool B

South Africa
Italy
Georgia
Romania

Pool C

Argentina
Fiji
Spain
Canada

Pool D

Ireland
Scotland
Uruguay
Portugal

Pool E

France
Japan
USA
Samoa

Pool F

England
Wales
Tonga
Zimbabwe

Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players

From jaw-dropping tries to unforgettable moments (and yes, some questionable haircuts), these players defined a golden era of the game. If their names don’t instantly come to mind, we suggest a quick trip to YouTube to jog your memory. Trust us, it’s worth it.

Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s see if you’ve still got it. Good luck!