Robert Kitson's piece frames the 2027 World Cup question bluntly: are the Springboks on track to surpass the All Blacks as the most dominant team in rugby history? The argument draws on how great teams sustain dominance through constant reinvention rather than resting on their achievements — a standard the All Blacks held for decades. The implicit question is whether any current contender has the tactical evolution, depth, or structural advantage to derail a Springbok three-peat, or whether Erasmus's side is simply doing what the great All Blacks teams did — staying in motion while rivals catch up. Worth the full read for Kitson's assessment of where the genuine threats might come from ahead of Australia 2027.
AnalysisSpringboksThe Guardian Rugby
Can anyone stop the Springboks making history in Australia?
Kitson asks whether any side can realistically stop the Springboks completing a World Cup three-peat in Australia in 2027, framing it around how dominant teams sustain their edge through reinvention — and whether Erasmus's squad is doing exactly that.
- Springboks
- New Zealand
- Rassie Erasmus
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So how deep is the Springbok squad?
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