Springbok legend nervous after disastrous Rugby World Cup draw

The Springboks were handed what would be considered an easy group with their toughest opponents being Italy in Pool B.

However, should South Africa and the All Blacks finish at the top of their pools, they will likely face each other in the quarterfinals.

They are currently the number one and two-ranked teams in the world and, although that could change between now and the World Cup, it is probable that a huge name will be eliminated early.

More of the pressure will be on the Boks, who are the back-to-back winners of the global tournament having emerged triumphant in Japan and France in 2019 and 2023, matching New Zealand, who won it in 2011 and 2015.

Rassie Erasmus' men are therefore going for an unprecedented three-peat, but 2027 could well be their most difficult route through.

Even if they manage to overcome the All Blacks, a France team desperate for revenge are their most likely opponents in the last-four.

"That's my biggest fear for this World Cup, where we trip over the hurdle at the quarter-final. Everyone's saying that is the big game," Kitshoff said.

"Playing against New Zealand in the quarter-final, you're going to be tired. It's going to feel like a final and then you're going to be tired by the time they play in the semi-final.

"You then maybe get the French, so that's why I'm nervous with how our draw has panned out."

There is still a long way to go until then, however, with a highly anticipated tour against New Zealand the highlight in 2026, called Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.

The All Blacks will head to South Africa for a three-Test series, while they will also play games against the four main franchises, before another international clash on neutral territory.

With the Springboks having home advantage for the majority of those encounters, they will be heavy favourites and Kitshoff is expecting them to come out on top.

"Let's see how they come through next year. I read an article where New Zealand fans said if they get two wins on this Greatest Rivalry tour against the Boks, it would feel like a win," he said.

"I say we're going to pump them four times including away from home. I'm joking, we're going to pump them three times and they're going to get one."

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