By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 21 players with Rugby World Cup experience when he revealed the defending champion’s squad of 33 players for the 2023 edition in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The 33-man squad will leave South Africa on Saturday to Europe for warm-up games against Wales and New Zealand before heading to France, where the tournament starts on 8 September.
The Boks are the defending Rugby World Cup champions, having won the title in Japan in 2019.
Jacques Nienaber’s team have played four Tests this year — three in the Rugby Championship and one warm-up game last weekend, against Argentina.
There was no place for the injured Handre Pollard, who has struggled with injury all year, while Lukhanyo Am also misses out after hurting his knee against Argentina last weekend.
Lood de Jager, who is believed to be ill, hooker Joseph Dweba and prop Thomas du Toit also miss out.
Siya Kolisi was named captain despite not playing a Test this year.
There was no place for the injured Handre Pollard, who has struggled with injury all year, while Lukhanyo Am also misses out after hurting his knee against Argentina last weekend.
Lood de Jager, who is believed to be ill, hooker Joseph Dweba and prop Thomas du Toit also miss out.
The newcomers include Ox Nche, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Outside backs: Canan Moodie, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux
Centres: Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Damian Willemse,
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach
Loose forwards: Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Franco Mostert, Duane Vermeulen, Siya Kolisi.
“This was one of the hardest selections we have ever had to make,” said Nienaber.
“Any of the 42-man training squad would do a great job but injuries have played a part in the final selection and time unfortunately ran out for some real champions.
“However, we said from the outset that we wanted to name the best 33 players for the World Cup, and after giving 38 players a run in the last four Tests we are pleased with the make-up of the group and we know we have proper depth in each position.
“We’ve picked a squad with a bunch of the players who can also cover alternative positions, which we’ll need in a very tough World Cup.
“We were in a great position this year to have so many players knocking on the door for selection but unfortunately, we could only select 33. Injuries have had a hand in the final selection, but they are part of the game, and we are excited about the quality of the players who can step in and perform at World Cup level – as many of the players who featured against Argentina showed last weekend.”