Injury-plagued utility back Francois Steyn - a key figure in the 2019 World Cup triumph in Japan - was not included and his chances of becoming a champion a third time are waning.Įqually adept when operating at full-back, centre or fly-half and a brilliant long-range goal-kicker, Steyn was a pivotal figure in what became known as the World Cup 'bomb squad'. Steyn excludedĭu Preez and France-based props Trevor Nyakane and Vincent Koch will not be available for the start of the camp due to personal and club commitments. "Do we think he (Kolisi) will be ready for the World Cup? Yes, we do," Nienaber told a recent press briefing in Cape Town.Īpart from Kleyn, the biggest surprise was a recall for long-ignored loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, who was part of the Sale Sharks team beaten by Saracens in the English Premiership final. Kolisi has been ruled out of the Rugby Championship as he recovers from a serious knee injury, but coach Jacques Nienaber believes he will be fit for the World Cup defence in September. Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has been able to include previously club-tied stars based in England and France for the first time for a training camp that begins in Pretoria on Monday.Ĭaptain Siya Kolisi, lock Eben Etzebeth, prop Thomas du Toit and scrum-half Jaden Hendrikse were all chosen despite being sidelined by injuries. The 29-year-old was born in South Africa, but qualified for Ireland through residency, made five Test appearances and was part of the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad.Ī South Africa Rugby statement on Saturday said Kleyn will become the 41st member of the Championship squad if an application based on his birth place succeeds.
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