Springbok captain Siya Kolisi says while it’s good to know who they’ll face at the 2027 World Cup, their focus is firmly fixed on next year. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
The Boks face the prospect of a first All Blacks tour to South Africa in 30 years as part of the Greatest Rivalry series, which will feature four Tests and matches against local franchises.
The season also features the first-ever Nations Championship against the northern hemisphere giants.
On Wednesday, the Boks were drawn in Pool B of the 2027 World Cup with Italy, Georgia and Romania.
If the Boks and All Blacks both top their pools, and win their round-of-16 matches, they will meet in the quarter-finals. The winner of that is likely to face France in the semi-finals and possibly England in the final.
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The talismanic Bok leader says the draw is anything but straightforward.
“I think it’s going to be tough. Italy is a team we had to dig deep against and fight [in November].”
On the growing noise around a potential quarter-final showdown with the All Blacks, Kolisi was typically direct.
“It doesn’t matter who you play when, at the end of the day you have to beat everyone to win the World Cup … Whoever is in the way, you’re going to have to beat. Whether you play them early or late, you’re going to have to play them.”
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But for now, Kolisi says their attention isn’t fixed on the global showpiece.
“Our focus is on 2026. We can’t even think of the World Cup before then,” Kolisi insisted.
He credited Rassie Erasmus’ selection overhaul – using over 50 players this season – as the key to keeping the Boks sharp and battle-ready.
“What we’ve enjoyed about this year is what coach Rassie has done, using 50 players … the guys who are new in the squad are getting an opportunity, so that if we do fall out or not make it to the World Cup, nobody has to stress.”
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Kolisi says the Boks’ real work starts now: a brutal 2026 season that will shape who actually earns a ticket to Australia.
“We still have to get through next year as players … I’m excited to see what plans coach Rassie and the coaching staff have for the coming season.”
Springboks’ confirmed 2026 fixtures
4 July: vs England, TBC (Nations Championship)
11 July: vs Scotland, TBC (Nations Championship)
18 July: vs Wales, TBC (Nations Championship)
22 August: vs All Blacks, Ellis Park (Greatest Rivalry)
29 August: vs All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium (Greatest Rivalry)
5 September: vs All Blacks, FNB Stadium (Greatest Rivalry)
12 September: vs All Blacks, TBC (Greatest Rivalry)
7 November: vs Italy, TBC (Nations Championship)
14 November: vs France, TBC (Nations Championship)
21 November: vs Ireland, TBC (Nations Championship)
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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