After a blockbuster year that saw the Springboks clinch the Rugby Championship and dominate the World Rugby rankings, South Africa’s national team is heading into 2025 with that same ambitious energy.
And if you thought coach Rassie Erasmus might ease off the gas this time around—think again.
No Slowdown for Erasmus’ Rotation Strategy
Last year, Erasmus made a bold choice: 50 players used across the season, with fresh Test caps handed out like rare collectibles.
But despite the constant squad rotation, the Boks only lost two games all year.
That strategy clearly worked—and it’s not going anywhere.
Erasmus has confirmed that the plan for this year is more of the same.
“We’d like to do something similar to last year,” he explained.
“It’s about getting contributions from our experienced players and the younger guys, giving everyone a shot.”
Eyes on 2027, But Feet Firmly in 2025
Yes, the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia is very much on the radar, but the focus right now is winning games in 2025.
Erasmus says the Springboks’ goal is to rack up victories while also building a deeper, more experienced squad.
“We want most of our players to have more than 15 Test caps by the time we get to the next World Cup,” he said.
“So everything we do this year is about creating that balance between winning and developing.”
First Stop: Cape Town vs the Barbarians
The Springboks are kicking things off on Saturday, June 28, when they take on the Barbarians at Cape Town Stadium for the Qatar Airways Cup.
From there, they’ll head into back-to-back Tests against Italy—first in Pretoria on July 5, then Gqeberha on July 12. A clash with Georgia follows on July 19 in Nelspruit.
Erasmus is excited about the mix of new and seasoned players.
“With a few more youngsters joining the squad this year, we’re looking forward to them learning on the go and fighting for spots,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough but thrilling season.”
Full Squad Locked In for 2025
Here’s who will be donning the green and gold this year:
Forwards
Lood de Jager, Jean-Luc du Preez, Thomas du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche, Vincent Tshituka, Neethling Fouche, Salmaan Moerat, Evan Roos, Jean Kleyn, Wilco Louw, Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje, Malcolm Marx, Franco Mostert, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Jasper Wiese.
Backs
Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker, Manie Libbok, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Edwill van der Merwe.
Let’s Talk Expectations
So with this solid mix of experience and fresh talent, how many matches do you think the Boks will win this year? Will they top their 2024 campaign?