Kolisi to lead Springboks

Siya Kolisi will lead the Springboks at next month’s Rugby World Cup.

Kolisi is the only player in the Rugby World Cup squad who didn’t feature for South Africa in the Rugby Championship, as he worked his way back from a knee injury.

The Stormers flanker will lead a relatively experienced squad in the tournament with almost half of the squad playing in their second Rugby World Cup and three - Frans Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira and Francois Louw - named for their third.

South Africa have stamped themselves as a big threat ahead of Japan after winning the 2019 Rugby Championship in an undefeated campaign.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said he felt there was good balance in the squad. Springbok World Cup Squad announced: “I am very happy with the squad we have been able to select,” he said.

“We have been developing this squad since the start of last season and in the 31 we have a good balance of established experience and some exciting youth.

“We set out with the goal of growing the depth of the squad and I am confident that any of this 31 can step into a play-off match at the Rugby World Cup and deliver an outstanding performance.”

Star lock Eben Etzebeth has been named as the second rower and SA Rugby vehemently defended him against allegations that he assaulted a homeless man in Cape Town. The Springboks open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Yokohama on Saturday September 21.

SQUAD: Forwards (17)

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, Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs (14)

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.