South Africa suffers a double whammy: Khandre Pollard and Lucano Am excluded from the World Cup

Handra Pollard will be a big setback for the Springboks at the Rugby World Cup. Credit: Getty Images/Wikus de Wet

Reigning champions South Africa suffered a major setback after key defenders Handre Pollard and Luhanjo Am were ruled out of the Springboks squad for the Rugby World Cup with injuries.

Pollard, both 2019 World Cup winners South Africa's best striker in the past four years, while Am is a key defensive figure and one of the best centers in the game. Their absence would undermine South Africa's hopes of retaining their title and provide a boost to Ireland and Scotland, their two leading Group B rivals.

Pollard has not played since suffering a calf injury in Gallagher's Premier League semi-final between Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks, and his absence means the more inexperienced Mani Libbock and Damian Willems are the two remaining semi-final options. Am missed out due to a knee injury sustained against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Lud de Jager, another key player on the winning team in Japan, is unavailable due to a chest injury and is «under examination by specialists». All trios have been placed on standby for the tournament and South Africa hope they can return to full training before the start of the competition to be available for any potential injury challenges. Jean-Luc du Pré of Sale Sharks is another player in the reserves.

Lukhanyo Am misses out on the team with a knee injury . Photo: Getty Images/Phill Magakow

Head coach Jacques Ninaber's group includes 19 forwards and 14 defenders, as well as captain Sia Kolisi, who continues to recover from knee surgery. Colisi is expected to face Wales in two weeks.

There are challenges for Harlequins' Andre Esterhuizen and Leicester's Jasper Wiese. Gene Klein, a former Ireland international who made his debut for South Africa during the Rugby Championship, was also included.

South Africa begin their World Cup defense against Scotland in Marseille on 10 September.

“The coaches and players have done a hell of a job over the past few years and we have the luxury of naming a team that is made up of a large group of players who know what it takes to win a World Cup and who will enter the tournament with a lot of international experience.” said Ninaber.

South Africa World Cup Team

Defenders: Kurt-Lee Ahrendse, Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, André Oesterhuizen, Jayden Hendrix , Willy le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, Mani Libbock, Makazol Mapimpi, Kanan Moody, Kobus Reinach, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams du Toit, Steven Kitschoff, Jean Klein, Vincent Koch, Sia Colisi, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marks, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Trevor Nyakane, Marvin Ory, Quagga Smith, R.G. Snyman, Marco van Staden, Duane Vermeulen, Jasper Wiese
Reserves: Lucagno Am, Loud de Jager, Jean-Luc du Pré, Thomas du Toit, Joseph Dweba, Herschel Yantjies, Handre Pollard, Evan Roos, Gerhard Stenekamp