John Smit's concern isn't with the rotation policy itself — it's with the timing. Speaking on The Rugby Pod, Smit acknowledges that the Boks haven't named the same 23 consistently in six years, and that the squad has adapted to that reality, but he argues 2026 is uniquely unforgiving: four Tests against the All Blacks, England to open the season, and a World Cup looming. The tension Erasmus faces is whether a series as significant as The Greatest Rivalry justifies more selection consistency than his system typically allows. Smit also raises a structural concern at lock — with Etzebeth, De Jager and Snyman all unavailable, the Boks are dangerously thin in a position that can't absorb much more attrition heading into World Cup year.
AnalysisSpringboksPlanet Rugby
Smit flags selection consistency tension as Boks navigate a high-stakes 2026
Smit warns that 2026's fixture list — four All Blacks Tests, England, and World Cup pressure — makes the Boks' habitual rotation harder to justify, while flagging a genuine lock depth problem that injuries are compounding.
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