Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks have been hard at work in Johannesburg as they prepare for the first Test of the 2026 season when they take on England in the Nations Championship.
The international Test rugby season is finally here, and with the Springboks set to kick off their 2026 campaign against England at Ellis Park on Saturday, there is plenty to unpack ahead of one of the most anticipated clashes of the year.
In the latest episode of The Last Word on Rugby, the panel dissects the major talking points surrounding the blockbuster encounter as both teams fight for the early spoils in the newly launched Nations Championship competition.
One of the biggest discussion points is Rassie Erasmus’ decision to select a highly experienced matchday squad over experimenting with a few fresh faces. Rather than using the opening Test to blood more players, the Springbok coach opted for a team boasting more than 1 000 Test caps. Surely this signals his intent to start the season with a resounding victory.
The Springboks will also celebrate two key milestones, with fullback Damian Willemse and winger Cheslin Kolbe both set to earn their 50th Test caps. The duo have become influential figures in the Bok setup, and their achievements are a testament to their consistency and impact for the world champions.
