With the Rugby World Cup looming next year, Brendan Nel argues that Rassie faces a genuine strategic fork heading into the November tour against Italy, France and Ireland. The Nations Championship format throws a curveball — the Boks could go unbeaten through November and still miss the Twickenham final if the All Blacks outscore them on points difference. That structural quirk opens the door to a calculated gamble: use at least one of the three tests to blood depth players rather than chase a trophy that might be out of reach anyway. Nel points to the Perth loss as a deliberate stress-test echoing the 2022 Wales defeat in Bloemfontein — ugly in isolation, useful in hindsight. He flags the Italy opener as the likely vehicle for that experiment, with a stronger lineup reserved for Ireland and France. The piece zeroes in on two positions still lacking genuine clarity: back-up hooker (with Mbonambi's fitness, Grobbelaar's consistency, Wessels's versatility and Fourie's cover all in the mix) and back-up fullback, where Fassi and Horn remain unproven at Test level. Nel's read is that any rotation will be purposeful — Rassie only rests players if he believes the remaining squad can still win the championship, making depth-building and trophy-hunting complementary rather than competing goals.
Rest or go for glory? Rassie's November selection dilemma unpacked
Brendan Nel unpacks whether Rassie should rotate for the November Tests against Italy, France and Ireland — arguing the Nations Championship format actually creates space to test depth players without surrendering realistic trophy ambitions, while identifying back-up hooker and fullback as the positions most urgently needing answers before the World Cup.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
James Doleman to referee South Africa v England as World Rugby confirms Nations Championship officials
James Doleman will referee South Africa v England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Andrew Brace and Pierre Brousset as assistants, as World Rugby confirms the full list of officials for the July leg of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Erasmus satisfied with alignment camps but warns proof must come on the field
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks are in a good place after more than 60 players attended two alignment camps, but insists the results must now translate onto the field as SA Rugby prepares to name a training squad within two weeks.
Rassie's Nations Championship reckoning: the July squads that will shape RWC 2027
A demographic deep-dive into the seven leading RWC 2027 contenders argues the Nations Championship compresses the selection cycle by a year, placing Erasmus at the sharpest decision point: defend the title with the 2023 spine or finally acknowledge the cost of carrying an ageing pack into Australian conditions.
Henry joins Rennie's selection panel as All Blacks build toward four-test Springbok series
Dave Rennie has appointed Graham Henry as an All Blacks selector, with the 2011 World Cup-winning coach joining a three-man panel alongside Rennie and Neil Barnes as New Zealand prepare for a four-test Rugby Championship series against the Springboks.