Rugby World Cup – South Africa profile: Full squad, head coach, key player, fixtures and odds

A closer look at Rassie Erasmus’ side

Fresh off the back of winning their maiden Rugby Championship title, South Africa head to Japan among the favourites to lift the World Cup on 2 November.

Following the appointment of Rassie Erasmus last year, the Springboks have slowly moved from strength to strength, with the side unbeaten in 2019.

The 1995 and 2007 winners have been drawn in Pool B alongside New Zealand, Italy, Namibia and Canada. They get their campaign underway on 21 September against the All Blacks in what will be the most anticipated fixture of the group stages.

South Africa’s preparations for Japan have not been without controversy, though.

Reports on social media claimed that lock Eben Etzebeth pointed a gun at a homeless man in Langebaan, a town north of Cape Town, over the final weekend of August before he was later named in the Springboks’ World Cup squad. Etzebeth denied all allegations and is now set to travel with the side to Japan.

Squad

Forwards: Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, Schalk Brits, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi (c), Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Warrick Gelant, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Francois Steyn, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach.

Head coach

Rassie Erasmus: The 46-year-old took charge as South Africa’s head coach in 2018, doubling up his duties as the first ever SARU Director of Rugby, which he was appointed towards the end of 2017. Although Erasmus has overseen notable improvements since being handed the reins, he has maintained that the team is a long way off the finished product.

Key player

South Africa have a host of world-class players among their ranks, including Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s first ever black captain, and Wasps’ Willie le Roux. But it’s Faf de Klerk who could prove to be the difference in Japan. Described as a “little buzzsaw” by Eddie Jones, the nine has hit new heights since moving to Sale in 2017, with his energy, decision-making and wide-ranging set of skills set to terrorise opposition defences.

Past record

The Springboks are two-time winners, having lifted the trophy on home soil in 1995 and in France in 2007.

Faf de Klerk in action for South Africa (EPA)

Prediction

South Africa should easily qualify for the knockout stages but given the strength of their rivals, I can see their World Cup campaign coming to an end in the semi-finals.

Fixtures

• Saturday 21 September – New Zealand v South Africa (Yokohama), 10.45am (BST)
• Saturday 28 September – South Africa v Namibia (Toyota), 10.45am 
• Friday 4 October – South Africa v Italy (Shizuoka), 10.45am
• Tuesday 8 October – South Africa v Canada (Kobe), 11.15am 

Odds

South Africa to win the World Cup: 9/2