The Springboks are gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, a crucial period as they begin to plan for the next World Cup. This year will likely see some veterans phased out as Rassie Erasmus seeks to strike the right balance between youth and experience.
Players like Willie le Roux, Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, and Makazole Mapimpi are expected to miss out on the next World Cup. However, there are a few stalwarts whose spots are still uncertain. Here, we take a look at three Springbok legends fighting for their World Cup cause this season.
## Can These Springbok Legends Secure a Spot for the 2027 World Cup?
### Frans Malherbe
The legendary prop has been battling a recurring back issue that’s kept him out of the game for over a year. Despite contemplating early retirement, there’s cautious optimism that the 35-year-old could make a successful return to play. If he does, there’s a good chance he’ll make it to the next World Cup, given his significant impact as one of the Springboks’ all-time great tighthead props.
### Bongi Mbonambi
The 35-year-old has started to slip down the pecking order with a younger generation of hookers vying for backup spots behind Malcolm Marx. However, Mbonambi is known for his tenacity and will undoubtedly look to reignite his fight for a World Cup spot during this season. The World Cup is still within his sights.
### Faf de Klerk
Another double World Cup winner, de Klerk has faced struggles with fitness and form that have impacted his playing time at Test level. The 34-year-old has made a bold decision to continue his career in South Africa with the Cheetahs. You can be sure that the tenacious scrumhalf hasn’t given up on proving his worth once again.
## Springboks’ 2026 Fixtures
The Springboks have a busy schedule ahead. Here are some key fixtures:
* Saturday, 20 June: Springboks v Barbarians at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, Gqeberha, kick-off at 15:00.
### Nations Championship
The Springboks will also participate in the Nations Championship, with the following fixtures:
* Saturday, 4 July: Boks v England at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, kick-off at 17:40.
* Saturday, 11 July: Boks v Scotland at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, kick-off at 17:40.
* Saturday, 18 July: Boks v Wales at Kings Park, Durban, kick-off at 17:40.
### Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
The Springboks will face off against the All Blacks in a series of matches:
* Saturday, 22 August: Boks v All Blacks at Ellis Park, Johannesburg, kick-off at 17:00.
* Saturday, 29 August: Boks v All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, kick-off at 17:00.
* Saturday, 5 September: Boks v All Blacks at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg, kick-off at 17:00.
* Saturday, 12 September: Boks v All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA, kick-off at 18:00.
### Once-off Test
The Springboks will also play a once-off test against the Wallabies:
* Sunday, 27 September: Wallabies v Boks at Optus Stadium, Perth, kick-off at 11:30.
### Nations Championship End of Year Tour
The Springboks will tour at the end of the year, with the following fixtures:
* Saturday, 7 November: Italy v Boks at a venue to be confirmed, kick-off at 16:00.
* Friday, 13 November: France v Boks at Stade de France, Paris, kick-off at 22:00.
* Saturday, 21 November: Ireland v Boks at Aviva Stadium, Dublin, kick-off at 19:30.
* 27-29 November: Finals Weekend at Twickenham Stadium, London.
