Springboks legends set to be REPLACED at Rugby World Cup

A couple of Springbok legends are likely to be REPLACED by these men at the Rugby World Cup in France in September.

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The names Frans Steyn and Duane Vermeulen are synonymous with some of the greatest moments in Springboks rugby history.

Now, both players positions in Jacques Nienaber’s soon-to-be-named Rugby World Cup squad are under jeopardy. Jacques Nienaber has seemingly already found the next Steyn and Vermeulen

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SPRINGBOKS LEGENDS SET TO BE REPLACED

Frans Steyn was the biggest name excluded from Jacques Nienaber’s 40-man Rugby Championship training squad.

Furthermore, having missed large parts of the season due to injury, his chances of winning a third RWC are growing thin.

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In fact, Nienaber and SA Rugby seem to have found the next Steyn (Frans).

Damien Willemse is capable of playing fullback, inside centre and flyhalf. Based on last season, he is a much better flyhalf than Steyn and he is more agile, skillful and dangerous in broken play.

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NEXT VERMEULEN DISCOVERED?

Jasper Wiese stepped up in Vermeulen’s absence when the Bok veteran was injured during the recent British & Irish Lions series and boy oh boy did he step up.

Since taking up the Bok number eight jersey, selectors and fans can all agree that he has been excellent. He reminds me a lot of a younger Vermeulen with his explosive running and his ability to bounce off defenders at will. There is no doubt that he is the likely first choice Eighthman heading into the Rugby World Cup.

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Vermeulen could make the squad but he will struggle to make the starting line-up. He will have to fight for his place in the squad with younger players such as Kwagga Smith, Deon Fourie, Marco van Staden and even Evan Roos arguably in better form.

Therefore, both men could miss the 2023 RWC given their age and recent run of injuries. Even if they do make the squad, both men will struggle for gametime.

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