Springbok legend Schalk Burger has dismissed suggestions that Rassie Erasmus could field a second-string side for the end-of-year tour.
The debate was sparked by former Bok lock Victor Matfield, who hinted that South Africa might send a “B-team” to the northern hemisphere in November to manage workloads ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“I don’t know how important it’s going to be [the Nations Championship] for the coaches. I’ve heard there might be a South African B-side going over at the end of the year. I don’t know if it’s true, I’ve just heard rumours,” Matfield said.
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But Burger isn’t buying it.
“I don’t think we will do that,” he said on the Boks Unpacked podcast.
With the Nations Championship replacing the Rugby Championship in 2026, Burger believes the Springboks will target silverware, not experimentation.
“If we are successful now in June, then the All Blacks are coming here; it’s the only real trophy that we can go win is this Nations Championship.
“We have that Test series against the All Blacks. This group of players would surely want to do that [win the Nations Championship].”
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South Africa’s schedule is stacked, with mid-year Tests followed by a blockbuster series against New Zealand and a demanding end-of-year tour.
But Burger says the squad is well-equipped to handle it, particularly with several players based in Japan.
“Like the main benefit we’ve got, and it’s by default, is that so many players are based in Japan,” he added.
“They have got the perfect ticket for it.”
Photo: Huw Fairclough/Getty Images
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