Springboks 2023 World Cup squad: We make our early prediction!

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is still months away, but this is what we believe the Springboks squad could look like in an early prediction.

The Springboks line up before a Test. Photo: Gallo Images.

There will be an incredible sense of anticipation when the Springboks head towards their title defence at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which runs from 08 September to 28 October in France.

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It’s still early days, and there is plenty that could happen between now and then as players jostle to book their tickets to the World Cup, with the squad sizes also increasing to 33.

However, as it currently stands, the selection below is what we think the Springboks’ World Cup squad could like, and it includes many of the same players who won the global tournament in 2019.

Of course, there are standout newcomers such as Kurt-Lee Arendse, Ox Nche, Jaden Hendrikse and Evan Roos who we believe could be added to the group, while the likes of RG Snyman and Elton Jantjies could be the big names to miss out due to lack of game time.

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This is our early prediction for the Springboks’ possible World Cup squad:

Forwards (19)
Deon Fourie, Lood de Jager, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi (Captain), Jasper Wiese, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Salmaan Moerat, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Marvin Orie, Trevor Nyakane, Kwagga Smith, Evan Roos, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs (14)
Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Manie Libbok, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Damian Willemse, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Frans Steyn.