G-Dog picks his 31-man Springbok squad for the Rugby World Cup
Updated | By Gareth Jenkinson
With the Springboks ' Rugby World Cup squad to be named next week, G-Dog reveals the squad he would pick for the global showpiece in Japan next month.
Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus is set to name his 31-man squad for the Rugby World Cup next week.
The Bok squad was reduced to a 36-man group that got together in Bloemfontein for a closed camp after their victory over Argentina on Saturday.
Away from the prying eyes of the South African media, Erasmus will have a few more days to work with the players before selecting his final squad that will travel to Japan.
Four players were left out of the group following the Boks 24-18 win over the Pumas in Pretoria. Wilco Louw, Dillyn Leyds, Scarra Ntubeni and Marco van Staden were released to their respective unions for the final round of Currie Cup action.
Then on Monday afternoon, a further four players were let go from the squad which seemingly puts them out of the running for the final squad that will be named next Monday. That included Sharks duo Andre Esterhuizen and Thomas du Toit as well as Bulls prop Lizo Gqoboka and Lions lock Marvin Orie.
Sadly, an ankle injury has ruled Marcell Coetzee out of action for the next 12 weeks which has ruined his World Cup aspirations.
With 32 players left in the group currently training in the Free State, there are three players that are most likely fighting to not be left out of the final World Cup squad. We’re looking at two flanks, Kwagga Smith and Rynhardt Elstadt and fullback Warrick Gelant.
We’re down to one more cut before Rassie shows his final hand, with one of the three names mentioned above the most likely to be cut from the group. Given the form and performances of the various players that have run out in the Green and Gold over the past month, here is my 31-man squad that I’d select for the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
G-Dog's 31-man Springbok Rugby World Cup squad:
5 Props: Trevor Nyakane, Steven Kitshoff, Beast Mtawarira, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe.
3 Hookers: Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Schalk Brits.
4 Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager.
5 Flanks: Siya Kolisi ©, Duane Vermeulen, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith.
3 Scrumhalves: Faf de Klerk, Herchel Jantjies, Cobus Reinach.
2 Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Elton Jantjies.
4 Centres: Damian de Allende, Frans Steyn, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel.
5 Outside backs: Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi, Cheslin Kolbe, Willie le Roux, Warrick Gelant.
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