South Africa's Springboks wing Canan Moodie (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring a try against Argentina's Los Pumas during the Rugby Union test match at Jose Amalfitani stadium in Buenos Aires, on August 5, 2023 in preparation for the upcoming 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. (Photo by Juan Mabromata/ AFP)
JOHANNESBURG - The Springboks will be short of a few key players, when they defend their Rugby World Cup title in September.
Lukhanyo Am, Handre Pollard and Lood de Jager were all not deemed fit enough to make the team.
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The three men were left out of the 33-man party which will head to France. Siya Kolisi will lead the squad albeit not having a played a single match in the international season due to injury.
There are 12 World Cup debutants in the squad, ranging from young Canan Moodie to veteran Deon Fourie. South Africa will open their campaign against Scotland on 10 September.