Handre Pollard misses out on South Africa's World Cup selection

South Africa head coach Jacques Nienaber has included Munster second row Jean Kleyn in the 33-man squad for the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

The 29-year-old represented the Boks in the victorious 2019 World Cup campaign and went on to play two games for them this summer.

However, the biggest omission has been Handre Pollard, who is sidelined with a calf injury that forced him to missed the recently concluded Rugby Championship tournament alongside centre Lukhanyo Am, who sustained a knee injury during the last weekend's game against Argentina.

Also missing out is Lood De Jager, who is recovering from a chest infection. Pollard's absence will see Mannie Libbok and Damian Willemse compete for the fly-half option while Bongi Mbonambi and Malcolm Marx are the two specialist hookers in the squad.

Skipper Siya Kolisi is included in the squad as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

“This was one of the hardest selections we have ever had to make,” said Nienaber.

“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.

“However, we said from the outset that we wanted to name the best 33 players for the World Cup, and after giving 38 players a run in the last four Tests we are pleased with the make-up of the group, and we know we have proper depth in each position.

“We’ve picked a squad with a bunch of the players who can also cover alternative positions, which we’ll need in a very tough World Cup.

“We were in a great position this year to have so many players knocking on the door for selection, but unfortunately, we could only select 33. Injuries have had a hand in the final selection, but they are part of the game, and we are excited about the quality of the players who can step in and perform at World Cup level – as many of the players who featured against Argentina showed last weekend.”

South Africa squad:

Forwards: Ox Nche, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Bongi Mbonambi, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, RG Snyman, Marvin Orie, Jean Kleyn, Marco van Staden, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese, Deon Fourie, Franco Mostert

Backs: Faf de Klerk, Jaden Hendrikse, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok, Damian de Allende, Andre Esterhuizen, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Makazole Mapimpi, Willie Le Roux, Damian Willemse