Springboks forwards on trial for Rugby World Cup spots in the Rugby Championship

This Rugby Championship is make or break for these 10 talented, dynamic and ferocious Springboks forwards on trial for three or four Rugby World Cup spots.

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Jacques Nienaber has given an opportunity to several fringe players with SA director of rugby Rassie Erasmus implementing a split-squad policy.

The plan is for the players to prevent jetlag by flying over earlier. This is to ensure the core of the squad is 100% ready for their epic showdown against the All Blacks on 15 July 2023. Whilst, also giving fringe players an opportunity to prove their worth with the Rugby World Cup now just around the corner.

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We take a look at the powerful and talented forwards who are essentially trialing for Rugby World Cup spots.

SPRINGBOKS ON TRIAL FOR RUGBY WORLD CUP SPOTS

This year’s Rugby Championship will prove to be career-defining for several Springboks players fighting for the rights to represent their country in the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

With Rassie and SA Rugby having confirmed the 13 players they will be sending to New Zealand, we have a pretty good idea of the players who will almost certainly be in the squad (barring any unforseen injuries). However, for the rest of the group it is a case of out-performing one another in the Rugby Championship to earn their place in Nienaber’s Rugby World Cup squad.

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TIME TO FRONT UP FOR SPRINGBOKS FRONT-ROW

The front-row is pretty much sealed. Steven Kitshoff, Malcolm Marx, Frans Malherbe, Vincent Koch and Bongi Mbonambi will definitely be there. Trevor Nyakane and Thomas du Toit are likely to both feature at the global showpiece in France.

However, if management opts for five props than Nyakane and du Toit will likely fight for the final prop spot. Also, Joseph Dweba has one foot in the door and is pretty much assured the third hooker berth.

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LANKY LOCKS LOCKED IN BATTLE

Jean Kleyn, Marvin Orie and RG Snyman are likely set to battle for one spot with Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert all established as first-choice regulars for the passed few years. Now, many would favour Snyman but he missed the whole of last season with injury. So, he will have to prove his worth to earn his spot with Orie having stepped up in the last season.

Furthermore, Kleyn is looking to make a last-minute bid for his spot in the squad having finally earned his citizenship. The talented Munster lock has five international caps for Ireland but he was born in South Africa and his dream has always been to represent SA. Now, he finally has the chance to make a late impression on management.

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FEROCIOUS SPRINGBOKS FORWARDS FIGHT FOR FINAL SPOTS

It is amongst the loose forwards where things get very interesting… Kolisi’s injury has opened the door to the likes of Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, Evan Roos, Jean-Luc du Preez and Marco van Staden. Siya is set to return to the starting line-up where he will resume the captaincy when he returns in August. Moreover, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, du Preez and Jasper Wiese have been instrumental to the Boks in recent seasons.

Therefore, Springbok veteran Vermeulen as well as Fourie, van Staden, du Preez, and Roos are heading for a battle of note, with Mostert set to be utilized as a utility forward. Meaning, at least two of these players will miss out – possibly three. SA Rugby is in a great place with depth in every position. Ultimately, some tough decisions await Nienaber.

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If you were Springboks coach, who would you choose?

Trevor Nyakane or Thomas du Toit? RG Snyman, Marvin Orie or Jean Kleyn? Deon Fourie, Jean-luc du Preez, Marco van Staden or Evan Roos? Let us know your Rugby World Cup selections in the comments section below!

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