The Springboks will be back in action from July this year, and the world champions are then set to tackle 13 fixtures in a highly-anticipated 2025 Test season that includes blockbuster battles against the likes of the All Blacks, France and Ireland.

As Rassie Erasmus and his fellow coaches begin to plot for the year ahead, here are our predictions and expectations.

CONTINUED SQUAD ROTATION

After using over 50 different Springbok players in the 2024 season, it’s expected that Rassie Erasmus will continue to be brave and bold in his rotation plans for this year.

Erasmus has already admitted that there are some young Bulls players who have been impressing him, while Lions star Henco van Wyk, Stormers lock Ruben van Heerden and Sharks playmaker Siya Masuku could also work their way onto the radar.

At the end of the day, the Springbok coach is going to stick to a plan of expanding the team’s depth, managing the game-time of some key veterans, and allowing a few talented youngsters to be tested in the high-pressure Test arena.

ATTACKING EVOLUTION

Even after winning the 2023 world Cup, the one thing that the Springboks made clear was the fact they wouldn’t just rest on their laurels.

As the game evolves, and law changes come into effect, Erasmus is determined to keep pace with the game – as evidenced by the appointment of Kiwi attack coach Tony Brown.

Last year there were clear signs of the Springboks looking to offer more on attack and in the wide channels, and while it did lead to some inconsistency in performances, I’d expect the team to double down this season and only work even harder at their attacking improvements.

MORE EXPERIMENTATION

As a coach, Erasmus is one of the great innovators, and he spends hours and hours contemplating various ways to exploit laws in different ways.

In recent times, we have seen a host of trick plays at the lineout and maul, and a few clever backline moves coming increasingly into play.

The next year is the perfect time to continue experimenting and trying out new things, before settling into a more set strategy once the team is two years’ out from the next World Cup.

Springboks’ 2025 Test schedule:

5 July: vs Italy, Venue TBC
12 July: vs Italy, TBC
19 July: vs Georgia, TBC
16 August: vs Australia, TBC
23 August: vs Australia, TBC
6 September: vs New Zealand, Auckland
13 September: vs New Zealand, Wellington
27 September: vs Argentina, TBC
4 October: vs Argentina, London
1 November: vs Wales, Cardiff
8 November: vs France, Paris
15 November: vs Italy, TBC
22 November: vs Ireland, Dublin

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF IN 2025?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.

Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Src: TheSouthAfrican.com - https://rugga.co.za/springboks/three-big-things-to-expect-from-the-springboks-in-2025/