South Africa have announced their Rugby World Cup squad and included three centurions in Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana and Jean De Villiers in their 31-man squad with lock Matfield and flanker Burger set to compete at their fourth World Cup while De Villiers captains the Springboks.
Coach Heyneke Meyer has also named scrum-half Rudy Paige as the only uncapped player in the final squad whilst hooker Schalk Brits, Francois Louw and scrum-half Ruan Pienaar could be vital to the success of the squad due to their familiarity to the conditions as they all play club rugby in England and Wales.
Heyneke Meyer spoke to The Guardian about the selection: “Every single player in our wider group worked incredibly hard and to cut the squad to 31 was probably the most difficult selection I’ve faced in my coaching career.
“I think the squad has a great balance between youth and experience, while keeping together the core of the team that did the country proud in the last few years. We also have a number of players who know what it takes to win a World Cup, and their knowledge will be very valuable.”
Louw (shoulder), De Villiers (fractured jaw), Duane Vermeulen (neck), Jannie du Plessis (knee), Fourie du Preez (knee), Willie le Roux (ankle) and Coenie Oosthuizen (neck) are all recovering from injuries but the Springboks are close to full match fitness.
Meyer also addressed some injury and fitness concerns: “The best medical scenarios were taken into consideration with the selection process, our medical team have worked incredibly hard with these players, and we’re confident they will be ready to be considered to play Japan.”
South Africa World Cup squad
Backs: W le Roux, Z Kirchner, L Mvovo, J P Pietersen, B Habana, J de Villiers (capt), D de Allende, J Kriel, P Lambie, H Pollard, M Steyn, F du Preez, R Pienaar, R Paige.
Forwards: J du Plessis, F Malherbe, T Mtawarira, T Nyakane, C Oosthuizen, S Brits, B du Plessis, A Strauss, L de Jager, P-S du Toit, E Etzebeth, V Matfield, W Alberts, S Burger, S Kolisi, F Louw, D Vermuelen.
