Faf de Klerk returns to Springboks squad, Paul de Villiers left out

byCharlie Elliott

South Africa will be targeting an unprecedented third consecutive Rugby World Cup title when the tournament heads to Australia next year.

With elite players competing for places across the squad, Rassie Erasmus faces some major selection decisions when it comes to naming his 33-man group for the 2027 tournament.

Here is how we predict the Springboks squad could look next year.

Hookers

Malcolm Marx
Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Johan Grobbelaar

There is little doubt over Malcolm Marx's place in the squad, with the current World Player of the Year almost certain to travel to Australia.

Jan-Hendrik Wessels also offers Erasmus an extra option at prop, adding valuable versatility to the squad, while Johan Grobbelaar gets the nod after his recent form and selection for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry squad.

That would leave Bongi Mbonambi among those facing a battle to force their way into the final 33.

Props

Ox Nche
Gerhard Steenkamp
Thomas du Toit
Zach Porthen
Wilco Louw
Frans Malherbe

South Africa are rarely short of options in the front row, and several names appear almost certain to be involved if they remain fit.

Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit and Wilco Louw look particularly secure, while Gerhard Steenkamp is also likely to be included given his quality.

That leaves room for a mixture of youth and experience. Zach Porthen has already made a handful of appearances for the Springboks despite being just 22, and his potential to operate on either side of the scrum could make him a particularly useful tournament option.

Frans Malherbe is approaching the latter stages of his career and has spent more than a year out injured, but his power and experience would be difficult to replace. If he can return to fitness and decides against retirement, he could yet be on the plane to Australia.

Locks

Eben Etzebeth
Lood de Jager
RG Snyman
Ruan Nortje

This is another area where the Springboks have an abundance of talent, but these four currently look like the leading options.

Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje would give Erasmus enormous power and set-piece strength, while Franco Mostert is perhaps the most notable player currently predicted to miss out.

However, Snyman's ACL injury could still change the picture. If his fitness problems continue, Mostert has every chance of playing his way back into contention.

Back-row

Siya Kolisi
Marco van Staden
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Cobus Wiese
Jasper Wiese
Cameron Hanekom

The back row may be South Africa's most competitive area, with a remarkable number of high-quality players competing for limited places.

Captain Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit look like the two safest selections, while Jasper Wiese has also strengthened his case with his recent form.

Cameron Hanekom's explosive carrying ability could see him edge out the likes of Paul de Villiers and Kwagga Smith, despite both being top-level players.

Marco van Staden and Cobus Wiese also offer useful positional flexibility alongside their obvious quality, making them strong options for a 33-man tournament squad.

Scrum-halves

Cobus Reinach
Grant Williams
Faf de Klerk

Cobus Reinach and Grant Williams have continued to earn the trust of Erasmus and both look well placed to make the trip to Australia.

The third spot could potentially go to Faf de Klerk. The two-time World Cup winner has now joined the Cheetahs and, if he can force his way back into Springbok contention, his experience could prove invaluable.

Now 34, De Klerk could still have plenty to offer both on and off the field.

Fly-halves

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Manie Libbok
Handre Pollard

Unless Yaqeen Ahmed enjoys a major breakthrough season, these three currently look like the most likely fly-half options.

Handre Pollard's temperament and big-game experience remain hugely valuable, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has developed into one of the most exciting players in world rugby.

Manie Libbok also remains an underrated option and his ability to cover fullback could further strengthen his case for selection.

Centres

Damian de Allende
Jesse Kriel
Andre Esterhuizen
Canan Moodie

Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel and Andre Esterhuizen all bring a combination of experience, versatility and physicality, and it would take a significant change for any of them to miss out.

Canan Moodie could be named among the centres or the back three, but his size and attacking threat make him a valuable option. Still only 23, he has plenty of time to further establish himself before the World Cup.

Lukhanyo Am is among the biggest names currently predicted to miss out.

Back three

Cheslin Kolbe
Damian Willemse
Kurt-Lee Arendse
Ethan Hooker

Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse and Kurt-Lee Arendse are all world-class players and would be extremely difficult to leave behind.

Ethan Hooker completes the predicted back three group, although like Moodie, he offers the versatility to cover in the centres. His combination of size and attacking ability could make him a particularly attractive option for Erasmus.

The likes of Aphelele Fassi and Willie le Roux would undoubtedly have reason to feel unfortunate to miss out, but the competition for places in this Springboks squad is on another level.

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Springboks handed toughest route to 2027 Rugby World Cup final

South Africa's quest for an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title is beginning to take shape after the 2027 tournament draw was confirmed.

Rassie Erasmus' side have been handed a favourable pool on paper, but the knockout stages promise far tougher challenges. We take a look at the Springboks' projected route to the final and the obstacles standing between them and more history.

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