BOKS OFFICE: Who will make SA's 2027 cut?
WATCH as BOKS OFFICE host Hanyani Shimange, Nick Mallett and Gary Gold discuss which players can make it to the 2027 World Cup.
The debate came down to two main factors: age and players who might be better that are currently coming through the system.
The players in question include Marco van Staden, Makazole Mapimpi, Willie le Roux and captain Siya Kolisi.
Gold believes that Marco van Staden still has another World Cup in him, while Mallett disagrees.
“I think the young guys coming through might be better than him [Van Staden],” Mallett said, as Gold afterwards nodded in agreement.
On captain Siya Kolisi, the duo wasn’t too sure whether or not the inspirational skipper had it in him to go on to play in a fourth World Cup.
“He’s playing great rugby [at the moment],” said Mallet.
“But three more years at that level? I’d love to have him as a captain at the next World Cup, but it’s going to be tough,” Mallet added.
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Popular wing Makazole Mapimpi who currently is 34 years old, will be 37 come the next global showpiece.
Mallet and Gold both agreed that Mapimpi – who scored the Springboks’ first try in a World Cup Final might not be in the mix come 2027.
“Unfortunately not, age,” Mallett said.
Gold added: “Age, and it’s a position where we have outstanding players coming through.
“I think Makazole [Mapimpi] might find it tough.”
Mallet and Gold agreed that Willie Le Roux won’t make it as a player to the 2027 World Cup, but made an interesting comment in which other capacity he can be used.
“He might even be a back three consultant,” Mallett said.
“What Rassie does he keeps [Duane] Vermeulen, he can keep Willie [le Roux] to organise the back three.
“[Aphelele] Fassi still has some learning to do even though he’s playing magnificent rugby at the moment.
“You’ve got Damian Willemse and Fassi as well as Cheslin [Kolbe]
“It’s hard to keep those guys out of the team and they are box office,” He added.
Which players do you think will see RWC 2027?
*Let us know what your selection would look like
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