Flanker Rynhardt Elstadt is the unlucky Springbok cut from the squad as coach Rassie Erasmus named the 31 players that will represent South Africa at the World Cup.
With 32 players in his camp in Bloemfontein last week, Erasmus had to axe one star for their trip to Japan next month.
That player is the the 29-year-old Elstadt, with Erasmus also resisting the urge to pull a rabbit out of the hat by making a surprise selection.
It was expected that Elstadt would stay at home, but there was also the chance that Erasmus could have roped in Western Province utility back Damian Willemse.
INJURED: Damian Willemse missed out on the Springbok. Photo: BackpagePix.
But the coach decided to stick with the players he had worked with this season.
And he is happy with the squad he has chosen.
Erasmus says: “I am very happy with the squad we have been able to select.
“We have been developing this squad since the start of last season and in the 31 we have a good balance of established experience and some exciting youth.
UNLUCKY: Rynhardt Elstadt. Photo: Willem Loock/BackpagePix.
“We set out with the goal of growing the depth of the squad and I am confident that any of this 31 can step into a playoff match at the Rugby World Cup and deliver an outstanding performance.”
He adds: “We’ve been working towards this moment for the best part of two years and we’ve been lucky in achieving most of our goals this season.
“We’ve been able to give everyone in the squad some good game time as well as develop combinations with squad rotation and not lose momentum as we go to the World Cup.
“But the results and performances up to now will mean nothing once we are in Japan.
“It is a case of back to square one; putting in the work on the training field and in the planning sessions to build on what we have achieved.”
The squad will be captained by Siya Kolisi.