The 25 ‘definites’ for the Springboks Rugby World Cup squad

Jacques Nienaber will be naming his 33-man Rugby World Cup 2023 squad soon. Here is the full list of players who will DEFINITELY be there if they are fit.

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Barring any unforeseen injuries, we take a look at 26 players who will definitely be in Nienaber’s 33-man Rugby World Cup 2023 squad.

This article takes into account the players who have been a key part of the Bok setup in recent years. Furthermore, it looks at the men that Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus clearly have a plan to use in France.

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LIST OF ‘DEFINITES’ IN NIENEBERS 33-MAN RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023 SQUAD

Forwards (13) :

Props: Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche

Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi

Locks: Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert

Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith

Backs (12):

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams/Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach

Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Damien Willemse

Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende,

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Makazole Mapimpi

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ONE FOOT ON THE PLANE TO FRANCE

All of these players will be in Nienaber’s squad if they stay fit.

While the likes of Joseph Dweba and RG Snyman are probable. However, Dweba will have to put in a solid performance when given the chance as their is the outside chance of the selectors considering Deon Fourie since he is a utility forward. He is likely to be selected though.

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Also, Snyman is expected to be on the plane to France but he must show that he is still ready for international rugby having spent the whole of last year sidelined. Marvin Orie and Jean Kleyn are eager to take his place if he is slightly off the pace.

Finally, Duane Vermeulen is also likely to be there but he will have to show that he is hungrier than Fourie, Evan Roos and Marco van Staden is knocking heavily at the selectors door.

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