Faf de Klerk, Jean Kleyn and Trevor Nyakane are reportedly the first of an ageing crop of Rugby World Cup winners who Rassie Erasmus has begun culling from the Springbok squad.
According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, Erasmus appears to be reshaping the Boks with the 2027 World Cup in mind, starting by sidelining veterans De Klerk, Kleyn and Nyakane from November’s European tour.
This strategic cull hints at a gradual shift from South Africa’s core group of 2023 World Cup champions.
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De Klerk’s absence has raised questions, as the 33-year-old scrumhalf is fully fit but wasn’t selected, despite missing the Rugby Championship due to injury. Instead, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, and Jaden Hendrikse have been picked to fill the No 9 role on tour.
Erasmus appears to retain an open-door policy for these veterans, ready to recall them if necessary, with insiders noting that players like Kleyn could join the squad on short notice.
Photo: SA Rugby
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