The Springboks will head into the 2027 Rugby World Cup as one of the favourites, but questions remain over the squad’s ageing core.
Several senior players will already be in their 30s by the time the tournament kicks off, raising concerns over whether the squad will still have the physical edge needed to defend the Webb Ellis Cup.
At the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France, Rassie Erasmus guided the Springboks to a dramatic fourth world title.
The Boks however, scraped through their final three knockout matches by just one point each, underlining how fine the margins were.
Here are some Springbok stars who may already have passed their peak years.
Siya Kolisi (peak years: 2017–2021)
The Springboks captain emerged as one of the country’s best flankers during the late 2010s, combining physicality, leadership and relentless work rate.
Kolisi was at his absolute best between 2017 and 2021, although he remained a key figure for the Boks through to 2024.
Next year, Kolisi will be around 36 years old and while he may no longer possess the same mobility and explosiveness, his leadership, experience and resilience could still prove invaluable.
Cheslin Kolbe (peak years: 2019–2024)
Kolbe exploded onto the global stage during the 2019 Rugby World Cup, famously scoring in the final against England. His dazzling footwork and game-breaking ability made him one of the most feared backs in world rugby.
He remained instrumental during the 2023 World Cup campaign, once again proving why he is among the most important players in the Springbok setup. Kolbe might not retain the same level of explosiveness next year.
Springboks have an ageing squad
Makazole Mapimpi (peak years: 2018–2022)
Mapimpi was a late bloomer, only breaking into top-level rugby in his mid-20s. He became one of the stars of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, scoring six tries, including South Africa’s first-ever try in a World Cup final.
During this period, Mapimpi developed one of the best strike rates in Springbok history and has been scoring tries left, right and centre.
Since the 2023 World Cup, the veteran winger has slowed slightly and is now more frequently used as a rotational or backup option. Despite that, he remains highly effective when called upon by Rassie Erasmus.
Faf de Klerk (peak years: 2018–2023)
De Klerk’s aggressive, high-energy style made him a standout performer during the 2019 Rugby Championship and World Cup.
He played a vital role in both World Cup-winning squads in 2019 and 2023, although 2019 arguably represented the peak of his individual influence on games. FAF is a fan favourite but his time with the Springboks might be coming to an end.
Pieter-Steph du Toit (peak years: 2019–2024)
Du Toit is one of the few players to win the World Rugby Men’s 15s Player of the Year award twice, claiming the honour in both 2019 and 2024.
His relentless work ethic, defensive intensity and versatility made him one of the world’s best forwards throughout South Africa’s recent golden era.
While 2019 marked his first major peak, his resurgence in 2024 showed he was capable of reaching elite levels again later in his career. He will be key if the Boks are to become the first side to win three consecutive World Cups.
Which Springboks veterans will make a difference at the WC?
Willie le Roux (peak years: 2014–2020)
Le Roux was at his most dangerous during the early-to-mid stages of his international career. His creativity, vision and attacking flair earned him a World Rugby Player of the Year nomination in 2014.
He became a central figure in the Springboks backline during that era, regularly creating scoring opportunities with his kicking game and passing ability.
Although he reinvented himself as a veteran leader during the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, reaching the 100-cap milestone in the process, his true peak came earlier in his career though.
He will unlikely feature for the Boks again given his age.
