Erasmus building depth and experience while keeping an eye on 2027 World Cup

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As he plans for the season, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus says he will continue building squad depth and experience with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The season starts at the end of the month with the Qatar Airways Cup clash against the Barbarians to be followed by the Incoming Series which will feature back-to-back Tests against Italy and Georgia in July.

Erasmus focused on depth in 2024 where he used 50 players in their 13 Test matches, while capping 12 new players, to ensure the longevity of experienced players.

Erasmus named nine uncapped players in his 55-man squad for the clash against the Barbarians -- Cobus Wiese, Juarno Augustus, Marnus van der Merwe, Neethling Fouche, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Renzo du Plessis, Vincent Tshituka, Ethan Hooker and Ntokozo Makhaza.