Follow usHandre Pollard and Lukhanyo Am have missed out on the 33-man Rugby World Cup due to injury.
Nine players have been named on a standby list, including Handre Pollard, Lukhanyo Am, and Lood de Jager ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/tyi7KbGkOc
— SuperSport Rugby (@SSRugby) August 8, 2023
“This was one of the hardest selections we have ever had to make,” said Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber.
Both players had a key role in last World Cup’s win, as they both featured in the final against England.
Captain Sili Kolisi, however, has been selected despite suffering a heavy injury (a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee) and hasn’t played a game since April.
“Any of the 42-man training squad would do a great job, but injuries have played a part in the final selection and time unfortunately ran out for some real champions,” emphasized Nienaber.
South Africa begin their title defense against Scotland on September 10.
