Playing selector: Springboks need back-up at 9, 10 and 15

This week marked 500 days to the next Rugby World Cup in France where the Springboks will be defending champions.

It seems a long way off, but the reality is it is just around the corner – next year, in fact.

Before they kick off in France the Springboks will play around 18 Tests, give or take, which is not a lot.

In this time the coaching team will look to build on what they have done before, introduce new elements to the team’s game, blood a few youngsters and test combinations.

The good news is the Boks are a settled outfit, but there will be issues that will pop up, players will get injured and others will lose form.

Right now, just a few weeks away from the Wales series it’s time to have a look at what Jacques Nienaber and Co may be working with over the next year and a bit.

Loose forward depth

The front rows and hookers pick themselves and there’s not likely to be any change at loosehead, tighthead and hooker going forward. We’re blessed with real quality here.

Also, at lock, if everyone’s fit and firing there’s no reason to look elsewhere. RG Snyman, who’s had a torrid time of it since the last World Cup, will hopefully return to action at some stage to stake a claim once again.

There are a few questions regarding the loose forwards though. Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Duane Vermeulen will be the first-choice trio if fit. But, by the time the Boks get to France will Kwagga Smith and Jasper Wiese still be the best back-up options, or will Evan Roos and Elrigh Louw force their way in?

Also, there’s almost no way Vermeulen will play all the Boks’ Tests in the next 18 months, so building depth by picking a new No 8 should be something Nienaber and Co consider.

Scrumhalf and flyhalf

I also feel it’s time the back-up boys to Faf de Klerk at scrumhalf get more game-time, and here I think of Herschel Jantjies and Jaden Hendrikse.

At flyhalf there is plenty to ponder. Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies have been injured and played very little of late, so who’ll step in against Wales? I think it’s time the Boks looked at someone new throughout the next year – possibly Jordan Hendrikse.

That is if they don’t go with Damian Willemse at 10, or Frans Steyn, who’s also an option. Of course, in which position Willemse is backed for the most part over the coming months will be interesting to see.

I’ve also heard talk of Cheslin Kolbe being a genuine option as a 10 back-up, which could give the Boks something else entirely.

At centre the Boks are well covered, especially with Pollard, Willemse and Steyn serving as back-up at 12 and Jesse Kriel at 13, while there are enough quality wings, and players able to cover more than one position, for there to be no concerns at management level.

I would like to see someone being given a run at fullback though, and here I think of Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassi. The dynamic and versatile Willemse is also someone who can play 15.