Hansen Claims Erasmus Is Resting Springboks Stars for World Cup

Former All Blacks coach Steve Hansen believes South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus is resting key Springboks players with the 2027 World Cup in mind, despite their omission from the touring squad for the November internationals being put down to injury. Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Hansen questioned the absence of Cheslin Kolbe, Eben Etzebeth, Andre Esterhuizen and Handre Pollard, and said there was little doubt Erasmus was giving some of his older players a breather. "There's no doubt about that with Etzebeth," Hansen said, arguing that Erasmus is already asking himself whether long-serving players such as Pollard are the men to win the next World Cup. South Africa, the world's top-ranked side, have included six uncapped players in their touring party, and Hansen described the November window as the last chance for Erasmus to experiment before the tournament build-up tightens. He added that every World Cup cycle tends to throw up one or two bolters, and that Erasmus is entitled to roll the dice in some areas while his team remain number one. The comments are sure to add fuel to the debate around South Africa's selection policy, with the Springboks heading into a demanding autumn schedule while already looking, in Hansen's view, well beyond it.