The announcement of the Springbok squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup received a mixed response from fans who are divided over what will happen in France.
Jacques Nienaber on Tuesday afternoon revealed the squad of 33 that will do battle in France to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.
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There were notable omissions for flyhalf Handre Pollard (calf), outside centre Lukhanyo Am (knee) and lock Lood de Jager (chest), who won the 2019 World Cup under Rassie Erasmus.
Pollard’s absence leaves the Springboks with just one specialist flyhalf in Manie Libbok, utility back Damian Willemse offering support in the position.
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South Africa have never won back-to-back World Cup titles, and a poll following the squad announcememt asked readers whether the Springboks would be able to overcome their injury woes to achieve a historic first.
There is almost complete confidence the Springboks will make it through to the playoffs, with only 5% of readers having South Africa falling out in the pool stage.
However, what happens next seesaws from 30% predicting South Africa are knocked out in the quarter-finals (matching the Boks’ earliest exits from previous World Cups) to 39% believing Siya Kolisi will once against raise the Webb Ellis Cup.
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Photo: Phill MAGAKOE / AFP