OPINION: This Springbok squad WON’T win the Rugby World Cup title

The 33-man Springbok squad named on Tuesday to play at this year’s Rugby World Cup in France certainly raised several eyebrows.

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At first glance, while the 19/14 split between forwards and backs is what was expected, the breakdown of those selected in the various positions set tongues wagging.

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While pundits were unanimous that six front-rankers (props) would – and should – be selected, only five were. Every matchday squad requires at least four props (two to start, two specialists on the bench). That means only one of the five will ever be given a break. Thomas du Toit’s versatility as both a loosehead and tighthead was overlooked as he missed out on selection.

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Only two specialist hookers were selected. Again, every match day squad requires a hooker to start and a back-up No 2 on the bench. Expect part-time hooker Deon Fourie to get more game-time than otherwise would be the case.

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In the second row, four locks were expected to be selected – and that’s how many names were read out. However, it was those names which surprised many. No Lood de Jager is a massive blow for the Springboks as he’s the lineout general as confirmed post-announcement by South Africa’s greatest ever lock, Victor Matfield. Instead Jean Kleyn got the nod.

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The loose forward contingent looks a couple too many. Six ‘official’ loose forwards were named, plus two ‘utility’ players. ‘Utility’ is code for ‘can cover a couple of positions but has only really played in one’. When last did Deon Fourie play at hooker? I’ll wait while you Google. Same with Franco Mostert. He’s now a flank, not a lock. Are the Springboks paying the price for including match-unfit captain Siya Kolisi?

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Among the backs, things are even more puzzling.

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Four scrumhalves were named. Fans were left scratching their heads as to why so many were picked when there are clear shortages elsewhere. None of that quartet can be considered ‘utility’. When last did any of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach or Grant Williams play in any match at any level in anything other than in the No 9 jersey?

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The Springboks suffered a massive blow when Handre Pollard’s injury failed to heal in time to include him in the squad. Ordinarily, Pollard would’ve been among the first names to be pencilled in. Manie Libbok is the only out-and-out flyhalf in the squad, with his Stormers team-mate Damian Williamse listed as a No 10, but will never start in the position as long as Libbok is in the team.

At centre, the Springboks suffered another devastating blow with the absence of Lukhanyo Am. That left three genuine midfielders in Damian De Allende, Andre Esterhuizen and Jesse Kriel – and plenty of question marks over their distribution skills. When last did any of that trio pass the ball? I’ll wait …

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South Africa are blessed with speed and skill on the wings with none of Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi or Canan Moodie likely to let down the team. The biggest headache for coach Jacques Nienaber and Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus will be ‘who to start with’. Arendse and Kolbe and the smallest in statue and may face an aerial bombardment, but possess that ‘X’ factor, perhaps more so than the taller duo of Mapimpi and Moodie.

At fullback, the position is Willie le Roux’s to lose and the veteran will start in the No 15 jersey apart from when he’s rested for the ‘smaller’ Pool B matches against Tonga and Romania when Damian Willemse will be given the nod.

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It’s been well documented that as many as nine players have been placed on standby (a worryingly high number), with five of those due to fly as cover to the United Kingdom this weekend for the Springboks’ final two World Cup warm-up matches against Wales and New Zealand. Those five players are Joseph Dweba (hooker), Thomas du Toit (prop), Jean-Luc du Preez (utility forward), Handre Pollard (flyhalf) and Lukhanyo Am (centre).

The other four players to remain in South Africa – and presumably told to remain in shape – are Lood de Jager (lock), Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf), Evan Roos (No 8) and Gerhard Steenekamp (prop).

Those warm-up matches against Wales and New Zealand are crucial for coach Nienaber to settle on his matchday 23-squad for their World Cup opener against Scotland on Sunday, 10 September at 17:45 (SA time).

Any further tournament-ending injuries could well be disastrous to the team’s ambitions of defending the Webb Ellis Cup – if that already isn’t the case …

DID YOU KNOW | Who are the most capped Springboks?

SPRINGBOKS RUGBY WORLD CUP SQUAD

FORWARDS

Props: Steven Kitshoff (Ulster – 74 caps, 10 points), Vincent Koch (Cell C Sharks – 45 caps, 0 points), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers – 61 caps, 5 points), Ox Nche (Cell C Sharks – 19 caps, 0 points), Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92 – 61 caps, 5 points).

Hookers: Bongi Mbonambi (Cell C Sharks – 60 caps, 60 points), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears – 61 caps, 75 points).

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Cell C Sharks – 112 caps, 25 points), Jean Kleyn (Munster – 2 caps, 0 points), Marvin Orie (Perpignan – 14 caps, 0 points), RG Snyman (Munster – 26 caps, 5 points).

Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz – 69 caps, 30 points), Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92 – 75 caps, 45 points), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs – 33 caps, 25 points), Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls – 12 caps, 0 points), Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby – 68 caps, 15 points), Jasper Wiese (Leicester – 22 caps, 5 points).

Utility forwards: Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 0 points), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat – 65 caps, 15 points).

BACKS

Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles – 48 caps, 44 points), Jaden Hendrikse (Cell C Sharks – 12 caps, 12 points), Cobus Reinach (Montpelllier – 25 caps, 45 points), Grant Williams (Cell C Sharks – 4 caps, 0 points).

Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers – 7 caps, 45 points), Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers – 31 caps, 36 points).

Centres: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights – 72 caps, 50 points), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins – 13 caps, 0 points), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles – 61 caps, 60 points).

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls – 9 caps, 50 points), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath – 25 caps, 81 points), Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls – 86 caps, 65 points), Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks – 38 caps, 115 points), Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls – 6 caps, 10 points).

SPRINGBOKS‘ POOL B FIXTURES

As times SA

Sunday, 10 September – South Africa v Scotland, Stade de Marseille, Marseille – 17:45

Sunday, 17 September – South Africa v Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux – 15:00

Saturday, 23 September – South Africa v Ireland, Stade de France, Saint-Denis – 21:00

Sunday, 1 October – South Africa v Tonga, Stade de Marseille, Marseille – 21:00