The decision did raise some eyebrows, especially in light of the fact that the flyhalf, Handré Pollard, was overlooked.

Pollard, who hasn’t played any rugby in 16 weeks, is not 100% fit and only started training with the team last week following a long-term injury.

A positive for the Springboks is that Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach can cover on the wing should the need arise, while De Klerk, has played flyhalf before.

Nienaber said the De Klerk will serve as their third choice flyhalf, but Pollard was simply not at the level where he should in order to play a role at the World Cup.

“With Handre over his injury, but, is not fit enough to play and perform and win a Test match for you,” Nienaber said.

“He's busy getting there, and remember, when we selected him, the public doesn't care that he hasn't played in 16 weeks.

“He must perform, and he must be the Pollard that won the World Cup in 2019. That's the picture of the Pollard they want.

“We're still building him up to that, so by having four nines, Grant Williams can cover wing, and Faf is our third choice ten.

“We went to the 2019 World Cup with two tens, and Frans Steyn was our third-choice flyhalf, yet he only played at flyhalf against Argentina in 2022.

“Everybody commented on how much of a disaster it was and why we shouldn't have picked him at flyhalf.

“It's like taking three specialist hookers to the World Cup, and you'll find the third one won't play much.

“They’ll get 15 minutes here and there and the same is applicable to the third flyhalf if three tens are taken with.”

Meanwhile, on Saturday at 16:15 Wales will face the Springboks in Cardiff.

Morgan PIek OFM Sport