Bryan Habana backs Springboks' long-term strategy ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

South Africa’s all-time record try-scorer, legendary winger Bryan Habana, believes the Springboks find themselves in a rare and enviable position heading into 2026: strong enough to experiment without losing their edge, and settled enough to think long-term while still winning in the present.

After finishing 2025 as the world's top-ranked side, the world champions have earned some breathing room. That standing, coupled with what is widely viewed as a favourable 2027 Rugby World Cup draw, gives head coach Rassie Erasmus and his management team licence to tweak, rotate, and test their depth this season.

For Habana, that freedom could be invaluable as the Boks build towards their sternest examinations of the year against England and New Zealand.

“This will without a doubt be a massive year for the Springboks, with the Nations Championship and 'Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry' both taking place,” said Habana, an ambassador for the Southern Guards GC, who play on the LIV Golf tour.

“Listening to the murmurs within the Bok squad, Rassie wanted to use 2025 to lay a marker and secure that No. 1 spot for the World Cup draw. We’ve seen that our draw has made things a little easier as a result. Yes, we might get the All Blacks or Australia in the quarter-final, but that aside, there was a real emphasis on ending 2025 at the top.

"What I am hearing now is that there might be a shake-up: blooding young players and expanding squad depth. There might also be some law changes from World Rugby to get accustomed to.”

The Nations Championship in the middle of the year, featuring clashes with England, Scotland, and Wales, presents a perfect testing ground. Habana feels these fixtures allow the Boks to subtly shift combinations and expose squad members to different tactical demands without the all-or-nothing pressure of a World Cup cycle. It is an opportunity to grow the group rather than simply relying on the core that delivered in 2024 and 2025.

Attention will inevitably turn to the first instalment of "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry," when South Africa meets the All Blacks in three Tests at home and one abroad. Habana views that series as more than just a showcase; he sees it as a potential dress rehearsal for a World Cup quarter-final. Yet, even in that pressure cooker, he believes there is room for planned rotation, ensuring as many players as possible experience Test rugby at its most intense.

“Next year also presents a great opportunity to fine-tune the skills of the younger players. Then, in 2027, the Boks will have that opportunity to create history — something they have put themselves in a phenomenal position to do," Habana added.

“This year might be a season of learning, but I know we are putting things in place for 2027, which is extremely exciting. This is without doubt the best Bok team we’ve ever seen. They went back-to-back in the Rugby Championship and in the Autumn Nations Series last year.

"Malcolm Marx was named Player of the Year, with Pieter-Steph du Toit also nominated. Willie [le Roux] and Siya [Kolisi] reached their 100 caps. They are up there with the best I’ve ever seen.”

In Habana’s view, rotation may be the defining theme of 2026. Having suffered only two defeats in a stellar 2025, the Boks have earned the right to think expansively. If managed smartly, this period of experimentation could leave South Africa not just battle-hardened, but deeper, fresher, and even more dangerous when they head to Australia in 2027.