One Springbok refuses to slip quietly into retirement
Already last year as many as 50 players were used by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus as he blooded a number of exciting youngsters with an eye on the 2027 World Cup, and the plan is to do the same again this year.
Taking a long-term view, as many as 15 players from the 2023 Rugby World Cup-winning squad will be 35 or older by the time the next global showpiece rolls around, and one of those is Makazole Mapimpi, who will in fact soon celebrate his 35th birthday on 26 July.
Although the flying wing is still in great shape, even he has admitted that it's highly unlikely he'd make it through to the next World Cup, and yet if recent form is anything to go by, perhaps he spoke too soon.
Mapimpi has been simply sensational for the Sharks this season, undoubtedly one of their most consistent players, and most importantly – his pace as a wing hardly seems to be dropping off.
When you add in the value of his experience, and as a leader, suddenly the Springbok coaches must be giving consideration to possibly managing his game-time to perhaps still be considered for their next title defence.
Rassie Erasmus is always open to taking one or two veterans to the World Cup – think Schalk Brits and Deon Fourie – knowing that these mentors can add plenty of value to training, change room atmosphere and through mentorship. Not to mention also often playing key back up roles for some of the 'smaller' pool games.
Despite his excellent try-scoring record, Mapimpi has lost his spot in the Springboks' first choice starting line-up to Kurt-Lee Arendse, who is another prolific try-scorer, but he undoubtedly remains next in the pecking order if there were to be an injury.
Mapimpi may believe his age will count against him by the time the global showpiece comes around in Australia in 2027, but perhaps he – and the Springbok coaches – will need to think again.
'I think I'm good now, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to make another World Cup. I'm not saying I won't, but I don't think so,' Mapimpi told reporters in Edinburgh towards the end of last year.
'There are a lot of players that have come in now, and it's a good thing for the team. There is going to be generation after generation, and for me, it's about assisting the players, especially if I'm not playing.
'I want to keep at this level until I retire,' he added. 'I don't want to disappoint myself and the coaches as well.'
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Meanwhile, here is an important reminder on ticket sales for the Springbok men's game against Argentina in the Rugby Championship at Twickenham in October.
Ticket sales
Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster.co.uk and England Rugby, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.
(*booking fees apply)
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