FIVE South Africa ‘A’ players fighting for realistic World Cup places 

A Springbok-laden South Africa ‘A’ side is set to do battle in their first of two midweek matches tonight, when they take on Munster. 

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While for some in that South Africa ‘A’ side, the game against Munster will be used to familiarise themselves with the national system. For others, however, it will be another chance to fight for a spot in the Springbok 2023 World Cup Squad.

The South African News looks at FIVE players in the South Africa ‘A’ side, that will be fighting for a seat on the plane to France with the Springboks for that World Cup next year. 

1. Thomas du Toit

When speaking of World Cups, du Toit is certainly no stranger to the tournament having been there, done that. The Sharks captain is a World Cup winner himself, as he formed part of the 2019 triumphant squad. Notably, however, his involvement in Japan came at the expense of an injury to Trevor Nyakane who had to be sent home. After the showpiece event, he seemed to continue to play the role of the prop option that falls just outside the Springbok squad. The front-rower, who just like Nyakane is adapt to packing down on either side of the scrum, has co tinted to knuckle down in Durban, displaying his leadership qualities too. It is then perhaps no surprise that he has been given the captains armband for the match against Munster and knowing that he is potentially just one injury away from a World Cup squad, could give him the added incentive to lead by example. 

2. Herschel Jantjies

Another player who has experienced World Cup glory with the Springboks, but has since not had much more glory in the green and gold. Jantjies was undoubtedly one of the biggest success stories of South African rugby, when he burst on to the scene in 2019. The nippy scrum half forced himself into the Springbok match day plans ahead of the World Cup and kept his place at the showpiece event as well. Having played an integral role in helping the Springboks win the tournament, he has since seemed to his spark for both Jacques Nienaber’s side and the Stormers in recent years. That has seemingly seen him relegated to fourth choice scrum half in the current pecking order with Jaden Hendrikse, Faf de Klerk and Cobus Reinach looking like they have edged past him. One thing that will be in his favour, however, is how dynamic those scrumhalf spots in the Springboks match day squad seem to be. Janjties will then know that, a great two games on tour and a strong United Rugby Championship campaign with the Stormers could be all it takes to get him back into the World Cup frame. 

3. Joseph Dweba

Having worked so hard to get himself into the Springbok system after the 2019 World Cup, things are yet to go as planned for Dweba in the green and gold. The powerfully-built hooker has often been the subject of criticism for his line out throws in a Springbok jersey, an aspect of his game that seems to have played him out of the role of third choice hooker. The Springboks regime has, however, shown a few times that they believe in the player and it might just be a matter of him getting the basics right, that stands in the way of him getting on to the plane to France. The former Cheetahs man also helped his cause by returning to South Africa by signing for the Stormers. If he can keep performing closer to the eyes of the Springbok regime, he could well force himself back into the team but it will all start tonight against Munster.

4. Aphelele Fassi

It is no secret that Fassi is one of the most entertaining players in the South African rugby system. In fact, prior to the lanky back making his Springbok debut last year, there had already been numerous calls for his inclusion in the green and gold. They duly came in 2021 and he looked to be in the mix again earlier this year. However, with a mixture of performances and what The South African News understands as ‘off field’ issues, the Sharks star was soon dropped from the Springbok side completely. He now finds himself closer to the team again, with the South Africa ‘A’ selection seemingly offering him a new lease on life in the eyes of Nienaber and co. For a player with so much talent, it could just be a matter of consistency and discipline that will be the determining factor. Interestingly enough, he starts in his preferred position, fullback against Munster tonight, anymore motivation for him to prove a point ahead of the World Cup? 

5. Johan Goosen

A player the Springbok regime has faced plenty of criticism for, just by even considering him. On his day, there has never been any doubt about the ability Goosen has, in fact the Springbok regime would be the first to know, having seen his outstanding display earn the Bulls a victory over South Africa ‘A’ last year. He continued with that scintillating form for the Pretoria-based side up until a long-term injury hit. He has since been back playing a handful of games and with the current flyhalf crisis, it was no surprise that the Nienaber and co have brought him closer to the set up. It is clear that he is a player that they fancy so for him, it could just be a matter of staying fit and rediscovering the form he showed before his injury and he could just be on that Springbok World Cup squad list. 

Which of these five players do you think will make the Springbok World Cup squad?