Three surprise selections we could see for next Springboks Test

The Springboks will next be in action against Argentina on 29 July in the final round of the Rugby Championship, which will then be followed by three World Cup warm-up games.

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Yet it must be remembered that the Boks’ squad for the 2023 World Cup will be announced on Tuesday, 8 August, which effectively means that the shortened single-round Rugby Championship will serve as the final opportunity for players to cement their place in the squad. Although South Africa do play a warm-up game against Argentina on 5 August, this is unlikely to have a major impact on selection so close to the squad announcement.

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With all this in mind, and when taking a look at the Springboks’ training squad, there are some players the national coaches would probably want to at least have a look at against Argentina.

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Jean-Luc du Preez

There must surely be a reason the overseas-based forward was selected into the Springboks’ wider training group, and although it’s unlikely he will be heading to the World Cup, one would imagine he should receive some game-time in the Rugby Championship. Du Preez can slot into the loose trio or second row, and perhaps he could make a surprising play for RWC consideration with a standout performance.

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Trevor Nyakane

The powerful prop has become almost a forgotten Springbok of late, with his move to France having seemingly not really succeeded in advancing his game. Nyakane does offer all-important versatility with his ability to cover loosehead and tighthead, though, and he is overdue for some game time if he is going to the World Cup.

Grant Williams

Williams has come off the bench in both of this year’s Rugby Championship clashes, and the nippy No 9 has added real energy to proceedings each time. His ability to also cover wing makes him a possible dark horse for World Cup selection, but the time may now have arrived for the Springboks to afford him his first start in Springbok colours.

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SPRINGBOKS TRAINING SQUAD:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks), Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Stade Francais), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92).

Hookers: Joseph Dweba (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks).

Locks: Lood de Jager (Wild Knights), Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks), Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers), RG Snyman (Munster), Jean Kleyn (Munster).

Loose Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (Cell C Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls), Duane Vermeulen (Ulster), Jasper Wiese (Leicester).

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Utility Forwards: Jean-Luc du Preez (Sale Sharks), Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat).

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks), Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers), Elton Jantjies (Agen).

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).

Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulon), Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls).