Jake White says Jacques Nienaber and Rassie Erasmus need to stick to their guns if the Springboks are to defend the World Cup title in France.

There has been plenty of debate and discussion around South Africa’s 33-man squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup which was unveiled on Tuesday.

While the bulk of the squad that won the World Cup in Japan in 2019 has been retained, flyhalf Handre Pollard, lock Lood de Jager and centre Lukhanyo Am were notably omitted.

Pollard’s absence means there is just one specialist flyhalf in the squad in Manie Libbok.

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Speaking to Sunday newspaper Rapport, former Bok coach and 2007 World Cup-winner White said Erasmus and Nienaber can’t allow themselves to be distracted by the public discourse if they want to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.

“In 1995, Australia brought their winning team from 1991. In 1991 the All Blacks selected their 1987 team. The lesson is not to cling to players too long,” White told Rapport.

“But Rassie says the 2019 victory was not planned, the 2023 World Cup was always the plan. So everything should be in place for them.

“This is an interesting team. If their instinct says ‘yes’, they should do it. If Jacques and Rassie start listening to the public, they will never win.

“However, there are constants in rugby that never change. To win, you need a goal kicker, a captain, a tighthead prop and a solid five that kills teams. If you don’t have that, it’s going to bite you in the rear.”

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