Talking points ahead of D-Day for Boks
SPOTLIGHT: There are some major decisions resting on the shoulders of Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber, as he prepares to name his World Cup squad on Tuesday.
While the Nienaber is spoilt for choice, the squad depth has handed the boss a new set of challenges.
Over the last two months, many players have put up their hands for a shot at World Cup selection.
Twenty-six of the 33 Springboks who won the last World Cup in Japan four years ago are contenders for places in the next edition in France, starting on September 8.
And at least 23 of the survivors are likely to be included in the 2023 squad, which will be named in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The unlucky three could be scrumhalves Herschel Jantjies and Cobus Reinach, the second and third choices behind Faf de Klerk at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, while wing Makazole Mapimpi's spot is also under threat.
Inspirational captain and flank Siya Kolisi, star flyhalf Handre Pollard and prop Ox Nche have not played this season due to injuries.
However, they are certain of their spots.
Scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, whose father died recently, also missed the three Rugby Championship matches and a warm-up Test in Argentina at the weekend.
He is also likely to make the trip to France.
The tried and tested
Outstanding performances by wings Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi in a 24-13 victory in Buenos Aires mean it will be difficult to omit either the rising star or the veteran.
Should both get the nod, the loser is likely to be centre Andre Esterhuizen, as he comes fourth in the pecking order behind 2019 pair Lukhanyo Am and Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel.
However, there are concerns about Am, who went off at half-time in Argentina, with the team doctor saying "he cannot continue" due to a knee injury.
The tricky No.9 debate
Barring injury, De Klerk will be a certain starter against Scotland when South Africa launch their pool campaign in Marseille on September 10.
But pundits cannot agree on which two from Hendrikse, Jantjies, Reinach and Grant Williams should be the backups.
Jantjies and Reinach have previous World Cup experience, but dynamic Williams, assuming he recovers from a concussion, and smart box-kicker Hendrikse are strong rivals.
Stormer v Stormer
Malcolm Marx and Bongi Mbonambi are sure to be selected, with one starting and the other coming off the bench in the major matches South Africa will be playing.
But will specialist hooker Joseph Dweba or flank and former hooker Deon Fourie be the third choice?
Both know France well having played for Bordeaux, as well as Lyon and Grenoble respectively.
In 2019, the Springboks favoured versatility with back row forward Schalk Brits the third-choice hooker as he had previously played there.
The tall timber
Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, the 2019 World Cup final starters, and RG Snyman, a substitute in the Yokohama title decider, are set for France.
Given that likely back row choices Pieter-Steph du Toit and Franco Mostert can also play in the second row, only one other lock is expected to be selected.
That will be a straight contest between Marvin Orie and Johannesburg-born Jean Kleyn, who qualified for Ireland through residency and won five caps before switching allegiance this year.
The end of Eskom?
The most congested sector - with 10 contenders for three starting places - is loose forwards.
Captain Siya Kolisi, Du Toit and Duane Vermeulen were the starting trio in Japan.
If the skipper comes through warm-ups against Wales and/or New Zealand unscathed, the same threesome should start against Scotland in the opening round on September 10.
Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Jasper Wiese and possibly Fourie may also be named at the expense of Jean-Luc du Preez, Evan Roos and Marco van Staden.
*Additional reporting AFP