Two big-name Springboks who could miss World Cup squad

There will be an incredible sense of anticipation when the Springboks head towards their title defence at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which runs from 8 September to 28 October in France.

OPINION: RASSIE ERASMUS CAN CEMENT HIS LEGACY IN 2023!

It’s still early days, and there is plenty that could happen between now and then as players jostle to book their tickets to the World Cup, with the squad sizes also increasing to 33.

However, there are two big-name players who have increasingly limited time to work their way into selection contention.

Elton Jantjies

As widely publicised, Jantjies was not considered for selection on the Springboks’ 2022 end-of-year tour, with director of rugby Rassie Erasmus stating that the flyhalf had simply not played enough rugby of late.

Last year was a nightmare for Jantjies both on and off the field, of course, with the 32-year-old admitted to an affair with Springbok dietician Zeenat Simjee that has left his career and reputation in disarray.

Jantjies has recently reiterated that his number one objective – before thinking about the Springboks – is now just to perform well for his new French club Agen.

Back in December, Jantjies joined up with Agen as he looks to revive his faltering career, with the ProD2 side having announced that they had signed the Springbok flyhalf until 2024, offering him a much-needed lifeline.

Despite Jantjies suggesting all his problems are behind him, the likes of Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok have moved emphatically ahead of him in the flyhalf pecking order, while Johan Goosen and Frans Steyn will also add further back-up to fit-again Handre Pollard.

All in all, it’s almost impossible to see Jantjies realistically being able to win a place in the World Cup squad.

ALSO READ | SPRINGBOKS’ BEST MATCHDAY 23: WHERE WOULD POLLARD FIT IN?

RG Snyman

Snyman has played just four games for Munster over two years and has yet to play for the Springboks since helping them win the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The powerful lock has endured a nightmare period with knee injuries, while he also sustained burns in a firepit accident in June 2021, further delaying his return.

Snyman is still battling back from a second cruciate knee injury after suffering a setback in his recovery earlier this season, but this week he was at least involved in some light training with the Irish club.

It’s believed Munster are hopeful that Snyman will be back in action for the second half of the season, and there is every chance he could be back in contention for Springboks selection prior to the start of the Rugby Championship.

He will have limited time to stake a claim for World Cup selection, but there is no doubt that he remains on the Springboks’ radar considering he is one of the most talented locks in world rugby when fit and in form.

The fact of the matter, however, is that the someone like Salmaan Moerat has been part of the Springboks set up more recently, while even Rassie Erasmus mentioned quite recently that they had begun to consider whether Snyman would have enough opportunities to be considered.

Only time will tell.

BREAKING: AUSTRALIA RUGBY STAR ARRESTED FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULT

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.