South Africa’s two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi has endorsed coach Rassie Erasmus’s player rotation strategy, saying it has significantly improved his prospects of pursuing an unprecedented third consecutive World Cup title in 2027.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday following Wednesday’s World Cup draw, the 34-year-old national icon expressed confidence that Erasmus’s approach of utilizing 50 players throughout 2025 has preserved veteran players while developing emerging talent.
“I enjoyed this year and what coach Rassie has done, using 50 players. It means that for us who are a bit older we don’t play as much,” Kolisi said via video link. “The way the squad has been rotated has given us a better chance to be able to make it.”
Kolisi, who led the Springboks to victory in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, joins New Zealand’s Richie McCaw as the only captain to claim two World Cup titles. At 36, he would be among the oldest players to compete when the 2027 tournament begins in Australia.
The Springboks have been drawn into a pool alongside Italy, Georgia, and Romania, setting up a favorable path through the group stage. However, the draw also revealed a potential quarter-final showdown with either New Zealand — whom South Africa defeated in the 2023 final — or host nation Australia.
Erasmus’s rotation policy has provided crucial Test experience to emerging players including Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu, Canan Moodie, and Ethan Hooker, helping to future-proof an otherwise aging squad.
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“We can’t look so far ahead,” Kolisi cautioned when pressed about World Cup preparations. “What’s important for us as players is next year. I’m excited to see what coach Rassie has planned.”
The Springboks face a demanding schedule next year, featuring in the inaugural Nations Championship alongside four Tests against New Zealand, before turning attention to World Cup preparation.
Erasmus, who listened intently to Kolisi’s comments during the press conference, acknowledged the challenges posed by Australia’s vast geography. “I am more worried about travelling times and venues,” the coach said. “Australia is a big country. Playing in Perth or Melbourne can be a massive difference. Travel time and weather will play a massive role.”
The coach expressed particular concern about facing New Zealand, noting the teams will meet twice in 2025 and four times in 2026. “New Zealand are going to have a tough time,” Erasmus said of the anticipated pool clash.
Should Kolisi successfully lead the Springboks to a third consecutive title, it would represent an unprecedented achievement in rugby history, cementing his legacy as the sport’s most successful captain.
