Springboks squad in turmoil: Who’ll step up to replace star TRIO?

With news starting to circulate that three first-choice Springboks will be ruled out of the Rugby World Cup due to injury, we take a look at the potential candidates to replace them in the squad.

LIVE | Rugby World Cup 2023: Springbok squad announcement

BOK TRIO INJURED AT THE WORST POSSIBLE TIME

This past weekend, the Springboks’ first-choice outside centre Lukhanyo Am looked to have suffered a leg or knee injury, and quickly received treatment. He attempted to continue playing, but ultimately had to be prematurely replaced.

This was thought to be a precautionary measure, but there are now fears that the injury could have been a serious one, suffered at the worst possible time.

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According to IOL Sport, Am, Handre Pollard and Lood de Jager are all set to be ruled out of the World Cup, but he is not the only one.

Pollard is expected to miss out due to a calf injury that has not healed as well as expected, while De Jager will be ruled out due illness.

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INJURED TRIO’S REPLACEMENTS IN SPRINGBOKS SQUAD

With that in mind, we look at the candidates are will most likely be selected in their places.

POLLARD OUT, WHO’S IN?

Let’s start wit the easiest one: If Pollard’s omission is confirmed, Elton Jantjies will be recalled to the squad. As it stands he is the fourth choice Springbok flyhalf. That mean’s South Africa will have to back Manie Libbok as its primary playmaker with Damian Willemse as his back-up at the World Cup.

Replacement: Elton Jantjies in for Handre Pollard

AM OUT, WHO’S IN?

It gets a bit more tricky when it comes to Am. The Springboks are unlikely to bring in someone from outside its set-up. Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel were all already set to be included, but with South Africa needing another midfielder, they’ll probably opt for a utility player.

Most of the talk this week has been the shootout for selection between Makazole Mapimpi and Canan Moodie.

If Am is not going to France, coach Jacques Nienaber is likely to pick both of them, with Moodie to plug the gap in the Springboks’ midfield if or when required.

Replacement: Canan Moodie in for Lukhanyo Am (with Mapimpi retained as a wing)

LOOD OUT, WHO’S IN?

De Jager’s potential absence will also be a big setback for the Springboks. But luckily for Nienaber, he has blooded in several other locks who could play that No 5 role perfectly.

Depending on whether Nienaber had picked newbies Marvin Orie or Jean Kleyn in his initial squad, the other one will gain selection in De Jager’s place. Both of them have been impressive when given an opportunity for the Springboks this year.

Replacement: Marvin Orie/Jean Kleyn in for Lood de Jager

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