Breyton Paulse believes Erasmus will move to bring Jacques Nienaber back into the Springbok fold ahead of the 2027 World Cup, prompted by the defensive frailties the All Blacks have been exposing. It's a pointed observation — Nienaber architected the Boks' suffocating defence through the back-to-back World Cup campaigns, and the suggestion that his absence is already being felt carries weight. The full piece unpacks Paulse's reasoning and what a Nienaber return might look like.
AnalysisSpringboksSA Rugby Mag
Paulse expects Nienaber reunion as Bok defence comes under scrutiny
Paulse thinks Erasmus will reunite with Nienaber to shore up a Bok defence that the All Blacks have been picking apart — the piece explores why and what it could mean for the 2027 build-up.
- Rassie Erasmus
- Springboks
- Rugby World Cup
- New Zealand
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