Former All Blacks boss Steve Hansen has warned that South Africa could lose some big names before the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The Springboks have won the last two World Cups. Now, Rassie Erasmus wants to make it three in a row.
But there is one small problem. His golden generation is not getting any younger.
Hansen believes one or two of South Africa's biggest stars could call it a day before the trip to Australia.
"The guys you're talking about are generational players for South Africa, and they're guys that you don't want to let go because they bring so much with them," Hansen said.
Some players still have plenty left in the tank. Others may be running on fumes.
So, who could hang up their boots before 2027?
Here are five Springboks stars who have faced big questions about their futures.
1. Siya Kolisi – Not done yet
Don't expect Kolisi to ride off into the sunset just yet.
The Springboks captain is now 35, but he has no plans to call time on his Test career.
In fact, he still has his eyes on a third World Cup.
Kolisi missed the Nations Championship due to injury. That gave young flanker Paul de Villiers a chance to shine.
But the veteran is not ready to hand over his shirt.
Siya Kolisi has no plans to hang up his boots as he eyes a historic third Rugby World Cup triumph with the Springboks.
"If I still feel as good as I feel today, I think I'll be there because of the coaching and conditioning staff and medical teams," he said.
"I feel like I can do anything and I don't want to lose that. I don't want to give that up."
As RUCK reported, Kolisi has made his plans clear.
He wants one more shot at World Cup glory.
Our verdict: Don't bet against him making the plane.
2. Eben Etzebeth – The giant won't quit
Some players slow down with age. Etzebeth seems to have missed that memo.
The 34-year-old lock is South Africa's most-capped player.
He has won two World Cups and has little left to prove. But retirement is not on his mind.
Injuries have caused problems in recent years. Yet the Sharks star still wants to play for his country.
"I want to play as long as I can. As long as I'm fit, healthy and getting selected, I want to keep playing," he said.
Eben Etzebeth has no plans to call time on his Springboks career as he targets a third successive Rugby World Cup triumph. Searching 9 websites
Younger locks are pushing hard for places. That only seems to make Etzebeth more keen to carry on.
RUCK has covered his retirement plans following his injury woes.
If his body holds up, he could have one more World Cup left in him.
Our verdict: More likely to retire an opponent than himself.
3. Frans Malherbe – Is this the end?
This is where things get a lot more serious.
Malherbe has not played a match since March 2025.
That's more than 18 months without a game.
The 35-year-old prop has been hit by injury after injury. His return is still far from certain.
Erasmus even had to talk him out of retirement earlier this year.
Stormers boss John Dobson gave fans little hope of a quick return in September.
"I don't think he has made a decision," Dobson said.
That leaves Malherbe in a tough spot.
He remains one of the best scrum experts of his era. But even the strongest tighthead cannot fight Father Time forever.
And with the World Cup now just a year away, time is running out.
Our verdict: The most likely of these five to call it a day before 2027.
4. Faf de Klerk – One last dance?
Remember when Faf de Klerk seemed to start every big game for South Africa?
Those days now feel a long way off.
The 34-year-old scrum-half has slipped down the pecking order. Erasmus has given younger players their chance.
De Klerk's move back to South Africa also raised fresh questions about his future.
But the former Sale Sharks star is not waving the white flag.
"I am fully going for that spot," he said of his World Cup hopes.
He has also made it clear when he would think about calling time.
"Once you lose that amazing feeling, you should rather stop."
For now, he still has the hunger.
As RUCK previously reported, De Klerk has not given up on another World Cup.
Our verdict: He wants to go, but will Erasmus pick him?
5. Willie le Roux – The clock is ticking
Willie le Roux has seen it all.
Two World Cup wins. More than 100 Test caps. And enough rugby miles to circle the globe a few times.
But the veteran fullback will be 38 when the next World Cup kicks off.
That's a big ask, even for a player with his skill and game sense.
Erasmus has already raised doubts about whether Le Roux will make it to Australia.
The player himself has made it clear that he has not retired from Test rugby.
Yet the Springboks have plenty of young backs who want his shirt.
And no player can keep Father Time on the bench forever.
Our verdict: A real chance he could bow out before the World Cup.
