Predicting the Springbok World Cup Squad: Backs

Quintin van Jaarsveld takes a stab at predicting the Springbok Rugby World Cup squad that’s set to be announced on Tuesday.

The majority of the 33-man squad tasked with defending the Webb Ellis Cup is set in stone with as many as 23 members of the triumphant 2019 group likely to be retained. 

Competition for the remaining places is stiff, with director of rugby Rassie Erasmus and head coach Jacques Nienaber being spoiled for choice but having to find the perfect balance. 

Composition-wise, I’m predicting an 18/15 forwards/backs split. These are the backs I’m expecting to be backed:

Scrumhalves:

Faf de Klerk

The popular blonde-haired scrumhalf still has ownership of the No 9 jersey and will get to rock the South African flag speedo he debuted in Japan four years ago in France. More importantly, he’ll be the driver of the defending champions from the base with his left boot.

Cobus Reinach

On top of being well-rounded, Reinach’s one of the fastest scrumhalves in world rugby and will play a similar supporting role than he did in the previous World Cup, which included scoring the fastest hat-trick in the tournament’s history. That record highlights the fact that the 33-year-old makes the most of every opportunity he’s given.

Jaden Hendrikse

It’s been a very difficult past few months for Hendrikse, who in addition to being sidelined through injury, lost his father. This after he enjoyed a stellar 2022 season in which he was a regular starter for the Boks. Grant Williams adds an extra degree of danger, but Hendrikse’s all-around excellence makes him the better option.

Flyhalves:

Handre Pollard

The Springboks aren’t the same without the calming influence, complete game, dependable goal-kicking and vast experience of their star flyhalf. The total package, much of the Boks’ hopes will rest on Pollard’s shoulders, which is a concern considering he’s still struggling with injury. As cold as he is, he’ll be given every chance to recover and will be roped straight into the starting line-up as soon as he’s ready.

Manie Libbok

Flyhalf is the one area the Springbok coach failed to build depth in since the last World Cup, which means Libbok’s set to be the only other specialist pivot in the squad despite having just a handful of Tests to his name. The jury’s still out on whether he has the aptitude for international rugby, but he’s fully deserving of a place in the squad after his sterling form for the Stormers over the last two years.

Centres:

Damian de Allende

Firmly entrenched in the No 12 jersey, De Allende’s first and foremost a bruising battering ram who consistently crashes over the gain line. However, he’s not just brawn, having shown his intelligence and subtle skills over the years. He’s also stepped up to make big plays in big moments and will carry a heavy workload in France.

Lukhanyo Am

De Allende’s long-time midfield partner, Am’s a skilful genius whose deft touches and impeccable timing translate into points on the board. His ability to manipulate defenders and space is instrumental in unlocking defensive systems, which coupled with his renowned defensive organisation, make him a key cog in the Bok backline.

Jesse Kriel

Known for his explosive power and speed, Kriel regularly beats defenders thanks to his sprinter-like acceleration off the mark, while his upper body strength has seen him make many a turnover, either through holding up the ball carrier or pouncing at the breakdown. 

Andre Esterhuizen

The “Agent of Chaos” has shown in his last few performances for the Boks there’s value in having a specialist back-up inside centre. Esterhuizen has brains to match his brawn and is an excellent distributor of the ball, both in terms of offloading in contact and firing missiles out wide. 

Wings:

Cheslin Kolbe

Kolbe’s one of the highest-paid players in world rugby and deservedly so. A jack-in-the-box and bulletproof banker rolled into one, he’s a special talent whose attacking flair is topped only by his heart. He’s the Boks’ apex pint-sized predator and primary point of difference.

Makazole Mapimpi

Red-hot for the longest time, Mapimpi has gone cold in the last year-and-a-half and appears to be trying too hard to return to his former heights. One of the best Bok wings of all time, Bryan Habana, overcame a lengthy period when he was lukewarm and Mapimpi will be backed to do the same.

Canan Moodie

The back three is all about striking the right balance and that’s where Moodie comes in. The 20-year-old blue-chipper is big and lanky and has a long future in the green and gold ahead of him. However, his immediate future might well see him start along with Kolbe and either Damian Willemse or Willie le Roux ahead of Mapimpi.

Kurt-Lee Arendse

Arendse’s been nothing short of a revelation since making his Springbok debut at the start of last season, racking up tries left, right and centre while, crucially, fronting up on defence. The diminutive dynamo’s over-delivered in the international arena thus far and has surely forced his way into the squad. 

Fullbacks:

Willie le Roux

The evergreen enigma’s still a pivotal playmaker for the Boks, scanning the field like a hawk and engineering piercing attacking plays at the drop of a dime. Like Pollard, Le Roux’s a calming presence with his world of experience while he’s crafty and effective with his educated left boot as well.

Damian Willemse

With his ability to play fullback, flyhalf and centre, Willemse’s a coach’s dream and will assure the Boks have all their bases covered. The versatile virtuoso came of age last season, truly finding his feet at Test level and delivering match-winning performances. 

Backs:

Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Jaden Hendrikse, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel, Andre Esterhuizen, Cheslin Kolbe, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Willie le Roux, Damian Willemse.

Quintin van Jaarsveld

Quintin Van Jaarsveld is a former MDDA-Sanlam SA Local Sports Journalist of the Year and a former three-time Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Sports Journalist of the Year. Formerly the sports editor and Outstanding Journalist of the Year award winner at The Fever Media Group, deputy editor at eHowzit, editor at SARugby.com and senior staff writer at Rugby365.com, he boasts over 15 years’ experience and is currently a freelance sports writer.