Jean de Villiers warns that there could be a bit of friction created in the Springboks squad if Rassie Erasmus is not careful.<\/p>\n
Since the success of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Erasmus has heavily rotated his squad, blooding in the next generation of stars in the Green and Gold jersey.<\/p>\n
The Bok boss has explained the need to do just that with many of the double World Cup winners well into their 30s now, and they are in the twilight of their careers.<\/p>\n
Veteran Springboks\u2019 role in the squad going forward<\/p>\n
The overall vibe from the squad has come off as a collaborative one, with players repeatedly stating that everything is for the betterment of the team.<\/p>\n
However, De Villiers<\/a> warns that it can change very quickly, and it takes just one of the veteran Springbok<\/a> players to alter the environment.<\/p>\n The former captain discussed the age profile of the squad on the Good, Bad and Rugby podcast, when he was asked if many of the older players in the squad would still make the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and, if not, whether Erasmus<\/a> would start turning over the team now.<\/p>\n \u201cI think that they will go to the World Cup,\u201d De Villiers stated.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s great to have those kinds of players that you know that you can fall back on and provide something different in terms of your strategy going into a game.<\/p>\n \u201cThe only issue that it could create is when you are in an environment where you have a group of players that are used to being first-choice players who now become second choice \u2013 what can happen is the culture comes under threat.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been the main guy, but now you are not, and it can create a bit of friction because the youngsters are coming through.\u201d<\/p>\n Jean de Villiers: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu \u2018still needs to grow\u2019 while Springboks have been \u2018totally different\u2019 with Manie Libbok<\/a><\/p>\n