Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says his body is still feeling good. Picture: Sam Barnes/Gallo Images Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says the older members of the squad are determined to earn selection for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He said the coachesā decision to rotate players regularly had kept older members rested and fit, prolonging their careers.
However, the 34-year-old warned they still need to get through a tough 2026 season. The Springboks drew Italy, Georgia and Romania in their pool for the World Cup on Wednesday. They arefavouritesto win a record fifth World Cup, and their third in a row after triumphing in 2019 and 2023.
Several players in the Springbok setup were part of one or both of those World Cup squads, with some now in their mid-30s. Coach Rassie Erasmus has spoken in the past about how if a playerās skills are up to standard, they will be selected no matter their age. In fact, their experience helps, and Deon Fourie surprised many with his strong performances at the last World Cup at 37.
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In July, assistant coach Mzwandile Stick said Kolisi wasone of the fittest players in the squad, and on track to make selection for the World Cup should he maintain his work output. Likewise, Erasmus praised 35-year-old Cobus Reinach as being in the best form of his career. The player said he was ādefinitelyā targeting the 2027 showpiece after recording his50th Test, against Wales in November. Both Kolisi and Reinach said their bodies were feeling good.
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