As the Springbok coaches prepare to release their 33-man squad for the World Cup on August 8, rugby enthusiasts are speculating on potential surprise inclusions and exclusions. This article examines three players who could emerge as unexpected choices for the prestigious tournament.
1. Andre Esterhuizen
The Springboks are faced with a selection dilemma on whether to select a specialist backup to Damian de Allende or rely on Handre Pollard and Damian Willemse to provide sufficient cover. However, Esterhuizen’s impressive performance against the Wallabies has significantly boosted his World Cup prospects. He is set to participate in the upcoming World Cup warm-up game against Argentina in Buenos Aires, and another strong display could secure his place on the team bound for France.
2. Grant Williams
The skilled scrumhalf has made two notable appearances off the bench in the initial two Tests of the Rugby Championship, signaling the Springboks’ keen interest in including him in their World Cup roster. If Williams is indeed chosen, it will be intriguing to see which player would be the third scrumhalf accompanying him and Faf de Klerk at the event. With only one spot available, Herschel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach, and Jaden Hendrikse are left to vie for the coveted position.
3. Marco van Staden
Van Staden delivered an outstanding performance in the year’s opening Test against Australia, arguably his finest in a Springbok jersey. He will have another prime opportunity to assert himself as a World Cup contender when he starts again this Saturday. With Siya Kolisi’s ongoing recovery from injury, Van Staden now appears to have the edge in solidifying his role as the first-choice backup.
While these players have not yet secured their spots on the World Cup squad, their recent performances have caught the attention of the Springbok coaching staff and the rugby community. Their potential inclusion could add an element of surprise to the 33-man roster, generating even more excitement for fans as the tournament approaches.
As the Springboks gear up for their World Cup journey, these surprise selections could play a pivotal role in the team’s success. The warm-up matches leading up to the event will be crucial in determining the final composition of the roster, with players like Esterhuizen, Williams, and Van Staden eager to prove their worth on the international stage. The announcement on August 8 is sure to be filled with anticipation and intrigue, as supporters eagerly await the unveiling of the squad that will represent South Africa at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
