When the Springboks head to France to defend their championship in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which runs from 8 September to 28 October, there will be a tremendous amount of expectation.
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It’s still early, and a lot can happen between now and then as players vie for a spot in the World Cup and squad numbers expand to 33.
However, based on the present roster, we believe that the Springboks’ World Cup squad could include many of the same players who won the 2019 international event.
We feel that notable recruits like as Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ox Nche, Jaden Hendrikse, and Evan Roos could be included to the group, but RG Snyman and Elton Jantjies could miss out due to lack of game time.
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THIS IS OUR EARLY PREDICTION FOR THE SPRINGBOKS’ POSSIBLE WORLD CUP SQUAD: Forwards (19) Deon Fourie, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (Captain), Jasper Wiese, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Marvin Orie, Trevor Nyakane, Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs (14) Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Damian Willemse, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn.
»The Springboks 2023 World Cup squad: an early forecast!«