Rugby World Cup 2023 is rapidly approaching, with just under two weeks until the opening game. Rugby.com.au examines every team's chances in France, looking at the Springboks.
South Africa will be looking to defend their crown as World Champions in 2019.
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Rassie Erasmus took the side on a dream run to the final, dominating England to lift the trophy for a second time.
Now under Jacques Nienaber, the Springboks are starting to build a formidable squad and play the type of Rugby that could see them once again lift the William Webb Ellis trophy.
Their group mirrors 2019 with top ranked Ireland and Scotland included. However, they have proven it’s not about how you play in the group stages, but simply getting through. History tells the rest.
Finished second in their 2019 RWC Pool. Oh and then went on to win the whole thing
The Springboks have built nicely over the past 12-18 months, shrugging off narrow losses to France and Italy before thumping Italy and England.
This continued into 2023 with a dominant win over the Wallabies to start the Rugby Championship.
They rebounded from a loss to the All Blacks with a pair of victories over Argentina.
Backs: Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Jaden Hendrikse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Willie le Roux, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Cobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Deon Fourie, Steven Kitshoff, Jean Kleyn, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx , Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Orie, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese
Siya Kolisi is the heart and soul of Springboks Rugby - the first black South African to captain the side.
The 32-year-old is one of the best back-rowers of the 21st century and just simply listening to him speak is enough to make you want to run through a brick wall.
Kolisi backs it up on the field as well with his thumping defence and physical ball-carrying.
It’s why his presence during their warm-up matches against Wales provides such a boost to this team
Kurt-Lee Arendse is a freakish winger that will cause chaos for defenders in this World Cup.
The 27-year-old is the definition of a late bloomer in the 15-a-side game, making the switch from Sevens.
He has brought the same explosive style of play to the Springboks, scoring ten tries in as many games.
This included a hat-trick against the Wallabies, ensuring his place in the 23 in a packed back three group.
Played: 43
Wins: 36
Loses: 7 Best Finish: Winners (1995, 2007, 2019)
2019: Winner
2015: Third
2011: Quarter Final
2007: Winner
2003: Quarter Final
Another one where no explanation is needed
This is one of the marquee matches of the pool stages so it’s only fitting it will be played on the grandest stage in France at Stade de France.
The Irish have bragging rights after their 19-16 win, although the Springboks pushed them all the way with two late tries.
Both teams are in red-hot form and will likely have a huge bearing on who finishes top of Pool B.
Mon Sep 11 (1:45 AM): South Africa v Scotland, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
Sun Sep 17 (11:00 PM): South Africa v Romania, Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux
Sun Sep 24 (5:00 AM): South Africa v Ireland, Stade de France, Paris
Mon Oct 2 (6:00 AM): South Africa v Tonga, Stade Vélodrome, Marseille
