Springboks team named for RWC

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer has named his 31‑man squad which will compete to win South Africa's third World Cup tournament, following victories in 1995 and 2007.

Meyer has seemingly opted for experience, with scrumhalf Rudy Paige the only uncapped player selected.

The squad will, as expected, be led by Jean de Villiers, who is still recovering from the broken jaw he suffered in his side’s shock loss to Argentina at the beginning of the month.

The loose‑forward battle was always going to be a closely fought affair, with Meyer ultimately opting for Duane Vermeulen, Willem Alberts, Francois Louw, Schalk Burger and Siya Kolisi, meaning that the likes of Bok regulars Marcell Coetzee and Oupa Mohoje will miss out.

Meyer said Heinrich Brussouw and Marcell Coetzee are on standby in event of injury to one of the loose forwards.

De Villiers, speaking after the announcement, said the team's focus was on the upcoming tournament.

South Africa team for RWC:

Backs:

Willie le Roux; Zane Kirchner; Bryan Habana; JP Pietersen; Lwazi Mvovo; Jean de Villiers (captain); Damian de Allende; Jesse Kriel; Handré Pollard; Pat Lambie; Morné Steyn; Fourie du Preez; Ruan Pienaar; Rudy Paige.

Forwards:

Duane Vermeulen; Francois Louw; Willem Alberts; Schalk Burger; Siya Kolisi; Victor Matfield; Eben Etzebeth; Pieter‑Steph du Toit; Lood de Jager; Bismarck du Plessis; Adriaan Strauss; Schalk Brits; Tendai Mtawarira; Jannie du Plessis; Trevor Nyakane; Frans Malherbe; Coenie Oosthuizen.

Source: ewn.co.za