Springboks: NINE players at risk of missing Rugby World Cup

Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks have a couple of selection headaches. These NINE players are in danger of potentially missing out on the Rugby World Cup in France.

Jacques Nienaber and the Springboks have a couple of selection headaches. These NINE players are in danger of potentially missing out on the Rugby World Cup in France.

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Given the quality and depth of SA Rugby, selecting a squad will always be a challenge for any Bok coach or selection panel.

Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus will have to make some big decisions with these NINE players all in danger of missing out in France.

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NINE PLAYERS AT RISK OF MISSING SPRINGBOKS WORLD CUP DEFENCE

Siya Kolisi is the most obvious. Our Bok captain damaged his cruciate ligament during the Sharks 22-22 draw with Munster at the end of April. Now, he is in a race against time to be fit in time for the RWC in France.

Furthermore, Francois Steyn and Duane Vermeulen are two of the biggest players at risk of not making the cut when Nienaber selects his RWC squad. Both players will go down as Bok legends for their massive contributions to SA Rugby and the Bokke for over the last decade. However, both players are well passed their prime.

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BOK LEGENDS PAST THEIR PRIME

Steyn and Vermeulen are both 36 years old. Moreover, they no longer have the same X-factor characteristics that accompanied their prime playing days. Both players have understandably lost pace and the Boks now have stronger players available.

Jasper Wiese is head and shoulders above Vermeulen in terms of passion, energy, speed and form. Likewise, Damian Willemse has seemingly become the new Francois Steyn. He can slot in at flyhalf, centre or fullback and he is the epitome of an X-factor player.

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LIBBOK COULD REPLACE JANTJIES

The rise of Manie Libbok could seal Elton Jantjies fate. First, Jantjies was dropped due to the drama surrounding his rumoured affair with Bok dietician Zeenat Simjee but now Libbok is likely to keep him out of the Bok squad by virtue of his scintillating URC form. While Pollard is first-choice and Willemse should provide emergency back-up at 10 having flourished in the Boks end of year tour last season.

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The scenario is a lot more complex for Hershel Jantjies. He has been in great form in the URC yet it may not be enough for him to make the Bok squad. The same can be said for Jaden Hendrikse and Cobus Reinach with both men’s spots now in jeopardy due to one man – Grant Williams. Williams was named in the URC Team of the Season and rightfully so. He has been nothing short of brilliant for the Sharks this season, looking dangerous on attack with every pacey snipe.

We know Faf de Klerk will be there and Williams has been too good to leave out. So, with the Boks likely to only take three scrumhalves, Jantjies, Hendrikse and Reinach likely to battle it out for the final spot.

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The return of RG Snyman could spell trouble for Marvin Orie. He has been playing well for the Stormers but RG Snyman is a more rounded player and Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert offer more going forward.

Finally, Marcel Coetzee is likely to miss out if Kolisi is fit with Kwagga Smith and Deon Fourie both in top form. Furthermore, Marco van Staden is currently ahead of Coetzee in the Bok pecking order with the RWC around the corner.

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