The absence of three injured first-choice gamers might be a large problem for South Africa of their World Cup defence, in accordance with three former Springbok captains.

Flyhalf Handre Pollard, centre Lukhanyo Am and lock Lood de Jager have been all lacking from the squad introduced in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

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Nevertheless, all three are on standby in case of accidents in the course of the match, which begins in France on September 8, with the Springboks dealing with Scotland two days later.

“The squad could be very totally different to what we might have chosen previous to what we all know now,” former centre Jean de Villiers advised SuperSport.

“If you happen to needed to play a World Cup closing in the present day you’d have chosen all three,” he mentioned.

John Smit, who captained the Springboks to victory within the 2007 World Cup in France, mentioned the lack of Pollard was a heavy blow because it left the staff with out a longtime, match-winning goal-kicker.

“World Cups are gained by goal-kickers,” mentioned Smit. “We now have to determine who our high three goal-kickers are.”

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Former star lock Victor Matfield, probably the most capped Springbok with 127 Take a look at appearances, mentioned the collection of 2019 World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi was “improbable for the nation”.

However all three former captains shared concern about his match health after a protracted lay-off since knee surgical procedure in April.

De Villiers mentioned defining management roles could be vital.

“Siya could be the captain of the squad, however he won’t be the captain on the sector.

“It’s essential to be clear in regards to the management roles. We now have additionally misplaced two leaders within the backline in Pollard and Am.”

Matfield added, “These three (injured gamers) are an enormous loss. We solely have one recognised fly-half (Manie Libbok), though Damian (Willemse) can play there as properly.

“De Jager is the very best quantity 5 lock on this planet. He’s the man operating the lineouts.”

Smit mentioned Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and director of rugby Rassie Erasmus needed to make robust decisions.

“It’s tough to take a man who’s injured to a World Cup since you can not actually ship him again. What Jacques and Rassie have performed is wise.

“They’ve picked guys who’re match and in a position, they usually have put the remaining on standby. If something occurs to one of many (chosen) 33, they will name them up.”

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De Villiers mentioned South Africa’s depth of taking part in energy “is also our greatest weak point. I’m not positive we all know who’re finest staff is.”

Matfield mentioned warm-up matches in opposition to Wales in Cardiff on August 19 and New Zealand in London on August 25 have been vital within the build-up to their World Cup opener in opposition to Scotland.

“We don’t have a pool set-up the place we will play guys who’re off form, there are not any very easy video games.

“I feel within the subsequent two weeks we’ll see as shut as doable to the staff that may run on in our first World Cup sport.”

The Scotland match might be adopted by pool video games in opposition to Romania, Eire and Tonga.

Group winners and runners-up qualify for the knockout stage.

© Agence France-Presse

Picture: Patrick HAMILTON / AFP