Exclusive: Springboks Embrace Youthful Energy as Rassie Erasmus Plots New Era

As the Springboks prepare for an exciting upcoming international season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among the coaching staff. This week, the team is hosting a wide alignment camp in Cape Town, gathering players from all the South African franchises.

With the URC teams having a bye this weekend, it offers the Springbok management an ideal opportunity to assess a new wave of talent emerging from the local franchises.

Ageing Boks: Blending Youth with Experience

It’s no secret that the core group of the Springbok squad is edging closer to the twilight of their careers. 

Having been together since 2018, the key figures of the team have delivered numerous victories, including the 2019 Rugby World Cup. As the team looks ahead, the first alignment camp of the year has allowed coach Rassie Erasmus to combine the experience of the senior players with the energy and potential of younger talents coming through.

With upcoming series against Italy and Georgia, who are currently ranked 10th and 11th in the world. The question arises whether these fixtures could serve as the perfect opportunity to integrate younger players into the team. 

Springboks assistant coach Mzawandile Stick is adamant that age will not be a barrier to selection as long as players continue to perform at the highest level.

“As coaches, we don’t have the right to tell a player he’s getting old and can’t play for the Springboks,” Stick told SportsBoom.com. 

“As long as a player is still performing, fit, and able to give us the numbers we want on the field, we won’t look at age.”

This approach is evident in the selection of veteran players like Eben Etzebeth. Despite being 33, Etzebeth remains one of the top locks in world rugby, and his fitness and playing style are proof that age is just a number.

“You might look at Eben’s age, but when it comes to his physique and the way he plays, he is someone who can give us 80 minutes on the field.”

Deon Fourie, at 38, is another player whose age hasn’t hindered his performances. 

“Deon is performing incredibly well for the Stormers, and as long as he’s doing that, we won’t ignore him, even if he’s outplaying players much younger than him."

Stick also reflects on the legacy of players like Duane Vermeulen, who was a central figure in the squad until his retirement. 

“Duane was one of the older heads in the squad, but I don’t remember him ever missing a training session because he couldn’t keep up,” Stick said, reinforcing that performance, not age, will dictate who plays.

Return to Gqeberha: A Special Moment for the Springboks

The Springboks are set to return to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), the hometown of coaches Rassie Erasmus and Mzawandile Stick, as well as team captain Siya Kolisi.

Their last visit to the city was during the Covid-19 pandemic, when no crowds were allowed to attend. This time, however, the Springboks are excited to play in front of their passionate local supporters.

“I am very happy to go back and play in front of the fans in Gqeberha,” Stick said. 

“The last time we played there during Covid, we couldn’t have the people of Gqeberha supporting us. There is such a rich rugby history in the Eastern Cape, and we want to give players from this region the chance to represent the Springboks in front of their people.”

Notable Eastern Cape players such as Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Maphimpi, and Aphelele Fassi will all have the chance to perform on home soil, making the upcoming matches even more special for both the team and their fans.

URC Players Who Stood Out

South African rugby continues to thrive, with a crop of exciting young talent emerging from the URC. Stick highlights several standout performers who have impressed during the season and are now part of the Springboks’ wider squad.

"We are blessed with so many youngsters coming through, including from the school system."

"Players have been putting up their hands in the URC, and many of them have already been involved in our environment."

Players like Ethan Hooker and Jurenzo Julius from the Sharks, as well as Morne van den Berg and Quan Horn from the Lions, have caught Stick’s eye. 

“These players have taken their opportunities and are now in our system. We definitely have young talent coming through.”

Edwill van der Merwe, who made his Bok debut but was sidelined by injury, is another example of a young player showing promise for the future. 

“Edwill has been performing well for his team, and we’re excited to see him back and ready to take his next steps,” Stick added. 

Felix Jones Returns to the Springboks

This season also marks the return of Felix Jones to the Springbok coaching staff. After spending a year with England, Jones has rejoined the team and will work alongside Stick for the upcoming international season. Having worked together for five years, including two World Cup victories, Stick has great respect for Jones’ input and experience.

"I’ve worked with Felix for five years, and we know what kind of person he is."

“He works hard, he’s dedicated, and he brings a lot to the way we want to play. He’s a crucial member of the coaching staff and provides us with valuable insight into the Northern Hemisphere teams.”

Jones’ return brings added depth to the coaching team, and Stick is excited about the collaboration within the coaching staff. 

“The key for us is how we complement each other. Felix helps in my department, and I will always tap into his knowledge, as I do with Tony [Brown]. One thing I love about our coaching environment is that there are no egos. The main goal is the team and ensuring they perform."

The Springboks are in an exciting phase as they prepare for the upcoming international season. With a blend of seasoned players and a wave of fresh, talented youngsters, the team is poised to continue its dominance on the global stage. 

As the squad prepares for the series against Italy and Georgia, the return to Gqeberha and the return of key players like Felix Jones, the stage is set for an exciting few months of rugby. For the Springboks, it’s all about performance, and with no shortage of talent and determination, they’re ready to take on the world.