In a season defined by dominance and depth, Rassie Erasmus and Siya Kolisi’s Springboks have cemented their legacy as one of rugby’s all-time great teams.

Under Professor Rassie’s shrewd leadership and Kolisi’s inspirational captaincy, South Africa has achieved rugby immortality. Back-to-back World Cups, two Rugby Championship titles, a British & Irish Lions series win, the Freedom Cup, and the Mandela Challenge Plate have all made their way into the Springboks’ heaving trophy cabinet.

But here’s the thing about true greatness: it’s never content. After their Rugby Championship victory in September, Kolisi told supporters and critics alike, “we don’t want to stop there.” And why should they? 

The Springboks are experiencing a golden era that shows no signs of slowing down, with Erasmus meticulously building for the future while keeping the team at the height of world rugby.

The numbers alone are staggering. Over 13 matches this year, the Springboks fielded 52 players, showcasing the kind of depth of talent that no other country can even dream of, let alone replicate. With just two agonising one-point losses to Ireland and Argentina marring an otherwise spotless record, the team enters its final match against Wales with an 84.6% win rate for 2024.

This philosophy of inclusion has unearthed new talent and reinforced the team’s bench strength. Players like Cameron Hanekom, set to debut this Saturday, symbolise Erasmus’ forward-thinking approach. Hanekom is one of 12 debutants this year—a clear indication that the Springboks are not merely resting on their accolades but building for another World Cup campaign in 2027.

Despite the heavy rotation, the team’s spine remains anchored by seasoned campaigners like Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Eben Etzebeth—icons of South African rugby who continue to lead by example. Etzebeth, du Toit, and Cheslin Kolbe are even nominated for the prestigious World Rugby Player of the Year award, a fitting acknowledgment of their brilliance.

Meanwhile, the emergence of young players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (nominated for Breakthrough Player of the Year) assures fans that the next generation is ready to take the baton.

As the Springboks prepare to close out their season against Wales in Cardiff, the contrast couldn’t be starker. The Welsh team, mired in an 11-match losing streak, presents an ideal opportunity for South Africa to end their year on a high note. Saturday’s match offers an opportunity for a blend of experienced players and rising talent to end the season on a high.

For players like Hanekom, this is the beginning of their Springbok journey. For veterans like Kolisi and Etzebeth, it’s another chapter in an already legendary career. And for fans, it’s yet another reminder of the privilege of witnessing a team at the height of its powers.

The prospect of a third consecutive World Cup title in 2027 looms tantalisingly on the horizon. If Erasmus and his team can pull it off, the Springboks would not only cement their place in history but also end any debate about the greatest rugby team of all time.

The match against Wales kicks off on Saturday at 19:40 (SA time). In the meantime, South Africans can revel in the glory of this golden era. The Springboks are more than just a rugby team—they are a source of national pride, a symbol of resilience, and, above all, a reminder that the best is yet to come.