The Rugby World Cup in France was most likely the final act on the global stage for numerous stars in the Springboks team.
The Boks team that did battle against rivals New Zealand last night in the final featured 10 players who started in the world cup final four years ago against England. It was the most experienced team in Springbok history, with a combined total of 987 caps, something that they will not have in the next world cup.
Jacques Nienaber, the Boks coach, took charge of his last match last night in the final after he indicated his wish to leave after the tournament.
Nienaber did not seek to renew his contract and will move on to join Irish giants Leinster immediately after wrapping up business with the Boks. The next coach will have to build a new team, with the likes of skipper Siya Kolisi, Duanne Vermeulen, Deon Fourie,
Vincent Koch, Trevor Nyakane, Cobus Reinach and Makazole Mapimpi likely having played their last world cup tournament.
Sunday World looks at all the players who most likely made their final bow in the sport’s most prestigious tournament last night against the All Blacks:
Siya Kolisi
Kolisi, 32, has been an inspirational captain for the Springboks since he was given the responsibility to lead the team back in 2018. Kolisi made history as the first black captain of the Springboks and has been a shinning light for black aspiring rugby players to look up to. However, Kolisi most likely played his last game at the World Cup last night with age no longer on his side.
Duanne Vermeulen
Vermeulen confirmed that 2023 World Cup would be his last, with the veteran No 8 making his third appearance at the grandest stage. He was able to see off competition from the likes of Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith and Evan Roos for a starting berth during the
tournament. The 37-year-old was the oldest player in the squad and his experience was evident throughout the tournament as he produced some solid
displays.
Deon Fourie
The Springboks forward, at 37, almost certainly played his last World Cup this year and will be pleased with his contribution in France. He made a big impact from the bench throughout the tournament, providing cover as a hooker and also shifting into the open-side flanker role when required.
Eben Etzebeth
The Boks lock Etzebeth was colossal for his side throughout the World Cup with some master class shifts. The 31-year-old has been in sensational form over the past two years and many will hope that he can manage to make it to the next world cup, where he would be a veteran.
Frans Malherbe
The tighthead prop has been one of the key players for the Boks in France and a beast during scrum time, where the team has had plenty of success. Malherbe, a very good technical scrummager and an intelligent one, will be missed by Boks should he decide to call time on his international career soon.
Trevor Nyakane
Nyakane played his 49th Test as a replacement for South Africa in the final with only Steven Kitshoff (54) having more appearances as a substitute. He didn’t have a big role to play in this year’s World Cup but he has been a crucial member of the bomb squad over the last few years.
Cobus Reinach
The experienced scrum half shared duties with Faf de Klerk in this year’s tournament but will most likely not make it to the next global show piece. Reinach didn’t crack the squad for the final with Nienaber opting for a 7/1 split on the bench and De Klerk getting the nod in the run on team.
