Steve Hansen: Veteran Boks might call it quits on Erasmus ahead of 2027

Wait did those old guys not just beat Nz 3-1 in a series where they were going to run Sa off their feet with their young guns?

When i see Ben Smith, I skip past the drivel and head immediately to the comments to confirm what I already know based on the general responses to it. Needless to say I have yet to be surprised. Ben Smith is probably glad he is not in the age where every piece of writing had to go through 25 editors and scrutinisers before getting into the public eye.

I dont see many of these players passing up the opportunity to have the title triple/3 time world champions, a feat that will most likely never be repeated ever again, by any group of Test rugby players on earth. Rassie will exit the underperformers like what was done to the likes of Willie Le Roux etc. But for those still top of their game, they will march onto Australia to defend this world championship crown of ours

BS, you must be smoking your socks 🫣🤣

Hardly likely !

In breaking news, somebody somewhere thinks something about something. #clickbait

I can see Benny Smith is looking for some divine intervention for the AB's. 🤣🤣🤣

More BS click bait with a title misleading to imply these players will leave before the WC starts.

On another note, NZ players do not retire they rightfully go to make a final buck elsewhere. It is NZs selection policies that effectively retires alot of their players, with some still good enough to play for NZ despite their age.

Springboks are not handicapped by this, hence why we can pick players into their mid 30s that are still good enough and brings tons of experience come match days. In return, our youngster can thrive as they are effectively playing with their heroes.

Sounds more like wishful thinking Ben and Steve. If you think a South African loses the desire to play for the Springboks then they really don't know their psyche at all. Unless their body's physically give out (e.g. Kitschoff), they will definitely go to 2027.

People seem to assume they will then retire en masse after the world cup (or before apparantly). I think it won't be nearly as many as many as people think.

Kriel already signalled his intent to continue until 2031. Marx doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. Pretty sure Kolbe isn't done just yet.

What a lot of nonsense.

What?

Only surprise is that Sir Steve and Ben took so long to write this stuff. The ‘old’ guys they refer to mostly play in Japan and don’t have heavy minutes and are able to rehab and get fit during Japan season. Rassie knows exactly who will be ready. He is not afraid to play older guys if they fit the mould. Why would he have trusted Deon Fourie at 40 to cover hooker in the 4 tests vs ABs. So relax Sir and Ben, Rassie knows.

Hit to say I don't know Jack … without saying I don't know Jack …

Thanks Captain Obvious

Hansen has now joined league hasn't he.

And rain is wet, Ben.

What a nothing article. A waste of space