Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will reportedly reward players based in South Africa by fielding a team excluding the overseas contingent during the end-of-year tour.
According to Rapport, only South Africa-based players will be considered for the Test against England at Twickenham on 26 November, as it falls outside of World Rugby’s official Test window.
This means that the Springboks will likely be without a host of overseas-based players for the match, unless prior arrangements are made with their clubs.
The players affected include Malcolm Marx, Joseph Dweba, Trevor Nyakane, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Rynhardt Elstadt, Jean-Luc du Preez, Dan du Preez, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese, Duane Vermeulen, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach, Handré Pollard, Elton Jantjies, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Willie le Roux.
However, on the plus side, it may force the Springboks to field local players earlier in 2022 as they will need time to gel and gain experience before the Twickenham Test.
According to the report, three other Tests in 2022 have been earmarked to prepare a team of South Africa-based players.
This could be the third Test of the June series against Wales, should the Springboks win the first two Tests to make the third a dead-rubber.
The Rugby Championship Test against Argentina on 24 August and the Test against Italy, a week before the Springboks face England, have also been earmarked.
Even though the team will primarily comprise local players, it won’t be less competitive, as Steven Kitshoff, Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Thomas du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Marvin Orie, Herschel Jantjies, Jaden Hendrikse, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Frans Steyn, Lukhanyo Am, S’bu Nkosi, Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassi could all be considered for selection, while youngsters like Johan Grobbelaar, Ruan Nortjé, Salmaan Moerat, Elrigh Louw, Evan Roos, Grant Williams and Jordan Hendrikse could also get a run.
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