Eight Springboks running out of time for World Cup selection

There are just two games to go against Argentina before the Springboks finalise their 33-man World Cup squad, which will be announced on Tuesday, 8 August.

Here we take a look at a few current players in the wider training group who might be running out of time to make a play for selection.

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Could these be the unlucky Springboks?

Canan Moodie

It’s probably touch and go whether Moodie will make the cut based on the fact that there are limited spaces among the utility/outside backs. If he gets another opportunity against Argentina, he will need a big game.

Andre Esterhuizen

Will the Springboks opt for a specialist back up to Damian de Allende, or rely on the likes of Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse to provide enough cover? It’s an interesting selection headache.

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Elton Jantjies

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber has clearly stated that Jantjies is now the fourth-choice flyhalf in the squad behind Pollard, Willemse and Manie Libbok, and it seems certain that he’ll miss the World Cup.

Herschel Jantjies

The rise of Grant Williams has only seen Jantjies drop further down the scrumhalf pecking order, and it will be very difficult to jump ahead of Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse or Cobus Reinach at this point.

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Jean-Luc du Preez

Although the 27-year-old has formed part of the Springboks squad, he has yet to get any game-time, and it’s difficult to see him managing to win a World Cup spot with such limited time right now.

Evan Roos

The Stormers star still has an outside shot of perhaps forcing his way into consideration for the global showpiece, but Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese will surely be the only two No 8s that the Springboks can really afford space for on the plane to France.

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Jean Kleyn

The towering lock enjoyed a solid debut against Australia, but is one cap enough to really bank on for the World Cup when there are so many locks with real experience in the Springboks side?

Thomas du Toit

What could work in the favour of Du Toit is the fact that Trevor Nyakane does seem to have fallen somewhat out of favour. Time is running out, but Du Toit could earn a spot as the Springboks’ swing prop covering loosehead and tighthead.

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