JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Rassie Erasmus is inclined to prioritize South Africa's shot at an unprecedented third successive Rugby World Cup title than the new Nations Championship next year.

The world champion Springboks have just finished the year as the No. 1 test side for a third straight year.

Coach Erasmus was asked on Thursday how he planned to navigate a tough 2026 schedule so the Springboks don't lose their edge before the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

“My head is more towards not chasing the Nations Cup and risk not being ready for 2027," he said. “The World Cup is 18 months out. I think you must start focusing on the World Cup.”

The Nations Championship, World Rugby's new inter-hemisphere tournament, will fill the July and November test windows topped by a final.

In between, the

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