Four players who cannot afford to flop for Springbok side

The Springboks team is currently ranked fourth on the World Rugby rankings, and will head into the World Cup widely regarded as underdogs when it comes to talk of retaining their title.

ALSO READ: Is this what the Springboks team to face Argentina will look like?

An underdog tag will be seen as a possible plus factor for a Springbok side that enjoys nothing more than being written off, but there are some critical considerations worth taking into account before the tournament.

Here we take a look at four players who the Springboks desperately need to be influential and in form for there to be success at the global event.

ALSO READ: What time is kick off for Springboks v Argentina on Saturday?

SPRINGBOKS STARS WHO SIMPLY CANNOT AFFORD TO FLOP AT THE WORLD CUP

Lukhanyo Am

When he’s firing on all cylinders, there are few backline players who have as much of an impact on the success of the Springboks. Am was at the peak of his powers in 2021, and South Africa will want to see him quickly get back to his best form after a couple of indifferent showings at the start of the Rugby Championship.

ALSO READ: Eight Springboks running out of time for World Cup selection

Faf de Klerk

In terms of the way the Springboks play – on attack and defence – they need an experienced scrumhalf such as De Klerk to be confident of pulling the strings from No 9. His kicking game is also of utmost importance, and so there is no doubt that this is one player who needs to fire for the SA team to succeed in France.

ALSO READ: Stats show Springboks are trying to evolve their attack

Pieter-Steph du Toit

Back in 2019, Du Toit was seen as the best player in world rugby, while he was instrumental in the team’s journey to lifting the Webb Ellis Cup. It remains to be seen if the flanker can reach such heights again, and it does seem that he needs to get some more game-time under the belt before heading to the World Cup.

ALSO READ: De Allende and Am closing in on iconic Boks record

Eben Etzebeth

In over 100 Tests, Etzebeth has hardly ever flopped, but he did not seem to be at his most formidable best against the All Blacks in the Boks’ last game. When he is off his game, the impact on the team is clear to see, and especially in the absence of Siya Kolisi there is no doubt that his leadership and all-round influence is more important than ever.

READ MORE: Unpopular opinion: Springboks’ latest loss was also a WIN