After the Springboks unveiled their World Cup squad on Tuesday, one major takeaway that had to be noted is that Faf de Klerk has become arguably their most integral player.
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Not only is De Klerk the first-choice scrumhalf, but he could have an important goal-kicking role to play at times in addition to the fact that it’s now been confirmed that he will provide cover at flyhalf.
It’s a position where he has very briefly played in the past, but with Handre Pollard forced onto the standby list due to a calf injury, Manie Libbok is in fact the only specialist flyhalf in the squad.
Damian Willemse will also cover at 10, but at some point during the ‘smaller’ pool games, it’s expected that De Klerk will come into the flyhalf role in order to ensure the two designated flyhalves get some rest at one time or another.
“I’ve played there before, and I have trained there a lot. I think the best preparation is just training, making sure I am aligned and I know everything,” De Klerk told reporters after the World Cup squad announcement.
“I have played in the system for many years, so it won’t be too difficult for me to slot in there. It is going to be a challenge if I do have to. If it happens, I will step up and hopefully perform well.”
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It is interesting that Elton Jantjies wasn’t considered for a call-up, but clearly the Springboks feel they can get by, although it’s remarkable that Libbok is now suddenly the first-choice World Cup flyhalf.
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Watch below as the Springbok coach confirms the role Faf de Klerk will play
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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).
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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).
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