The South African national rugby team, known as the Springboks, is eagerly preparing for their 2023 season, which will start on July 8th with a match against the Wallabies in Pretoria. With the Rugby Championship and three Rugby World Cup warm-up matches on the horizon, it’s time to examine the squad dynamics and players’ chances of making the cut for the World Cup in France later this year.
The Rugby Championship will begin with the Springboks facing New Zealand on July 15th in Auckland, followed by Argentina in Johannesburg on July 29th. Preceding the World Cup, the team’s warm-up matches will include clashes with Argentina in Buenos Aires on August 5th, Wales in Cardiff on August 19th, and New Zealand in London on August 25th.
Recently, Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber announced a 40-player Rugby Championship training squad, with most members expected to secure a place among the 33-man World Cup squad, set for unveiling in early August. However, three of the 2019 World Cup winners are unlikely to return to represent their country in France this year.
Elton Jantjies, the long-standing second-choice flyhalf for the Springboks, has experienced a decline in his career over the past year, marked by injuries, poor form, and off-field controversies. Jantjies’ omission from the training squad is a telling sign that his World Cup chances have dwindled.
Frans Steyn, a two-time World Cup winner, appeared in four Tests last season, and at 36 years old, he seemed set to participate in another World Cup. However, a severe knee injury and limited high-level game time with the Cheetahs have significantly impacted Steyn’s chances. Consequently, Canan Moodie is poised to secure a spot among the utility backs in the World Cup squad.
Herschel Jantjies, the 27-year-old scrumhalf who frequently featured in the 2019 World Cup, is among the five scrumhalves in the training squad. However, the Springboks can accommodate only three halfbacks in their World Cup roster. Although Jantjies showed improved form for the Stormers later in the URC season, he remains behind Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, and Jaden Hendrikse in the pecking order. Grant Williams could be next in line if the situation demands.
As the Springboks prepare for an exciting season, it remains to be seen which players will earn their place in the coveted 33-man World Cup squad. The Rugby Championship training squad comprises a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, making the journey to France a thrilling and unpredictable affair for fans and players alike.
The 2023 season fixtures include the Rugby Championship matches against Australia, New Zealand, and Argentina, followed by the Rugby World Cup warm-up fixtures in Buenos Aires, Cardiff, and London. The World Cup will see the Springboks compete against Scotland, Romania, Ireland, and Tonga, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals scheduled for October.
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