Springboks World Cup squad predictions: Prepare for surprises!
There are expected to be one or two surprises when the Springboks cut their wider squad back to just a 33-man group for the World Cup.
The debate around World Cup selection will finally come to an end on Tuesday afternoon when the Springboks unveil the official squad heading to the global showpiece.
The announcement event will take place at Multichoice City in Randburg, Johannesburg, between 2pm and 4pm. SuperSport will televise the announcement, with the broadcast beginning at 2.30pm on Grandstand channel 201, while it will also be on 209 and 211.
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Ahead of the announcement on Tuesday, writers from TheSouthAfrican.com have put on their selectors hats and picked the 33 they would take to the World Cup, with at least a couple of surprises expected.
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CRAIG LEWIS (Big omissions: Thomas du Toit, Marvin Orie, Jaden Hendrikse, Deon Fourie)
Forwards (18)
Props: Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane
Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Joseph Dweba
Locks: Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Jean Kleyn
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen
Utility forward (flank/lock): Franco Mostert
Backs (15)
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Damian Willemse, Manie Libbok
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi
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MARIETTE ADAMS (Big omissions: Marvin Orie, Cobus Reinach, Makazole Mapimpi, Joseph Dweba)
Forwards (19)
Props: Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Thomas du Toit.
Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi.
Locks: Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Franco Mostert, Jean Kleyn.
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs (14)
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams.
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok.
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen.
Outside backs: Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Utility backs: Damian Willemse, Jesse Kriel.
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GARRIN LAMBLEY (Big omissions: Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Andre Esterhuizen, Joseph Dweba)
Forwards (19)
Props: Frans Malherbe, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Thomas du Toit
Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi
Locks: Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie
Loose forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Jasper Wiese, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen
Utility forwards: Franco Mostert, Deon Fourie
Backs (14)
Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Herschel Jantjies
Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi
Utility back: Damian Willemse
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