Nienaber picks his most trusted Springboks By Sthembiso Nkabinde The Springboks will get the defence of their World Cup title in France without the immediate services of three of their trusted soldiers in Lukhanyo Am, Handré Pollard and Lood de Jäger.
Boks coach, Jacques Nienaber, has selected a squad that includes the bulk of the players that won the global showpiece in Japan four years ago, with the aforementioned trio the only big names missing. It’s not all doom and gloom for the pair of Am and Pollard, however, as they are still in with a chance of joining the group at a later stage should there be any injuries. Outside centre Am will get on the plane as part of the group of 38 that departs for the UK tour alongside Joseph Dweba, Thomas du Toit and Jean-Luc du Preez. Pollard has started training with the Boks but like Am, can only make the squad at a later point in the event of an injury to one of the players already selected ahead of him or any other unforeseen situation.
De Jäger, who is said to suffer severe chest issues, will miss the tournament, with Nienaber set to rely on the likes of Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie and Jean Kleyn as his locks.
Fingers are crossed that inspirational captain Siya Kolisi would overcome his knee injury in time to lead the Boks at the biggest stage. Kolisi underwent surgery for knee injury in April and hasn’t played since but will be back to spearhead the side to what they hope will be a successful title def
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