Rugby World Cup spots at stake

With the defence of the Tri-Nations coming into sharp focus for the Springboks, a handful of players know that time is running out to stake a long-term claim on a place in the squad for next year's World Cup.

Coach Peter de Villiers has picked his 19 contracted players, who will definitely go to New Zealand to defend their world title in 2011, barring injury or a catastrophic lack of form.

With the return of centre Jean de Villiers and prop CJ van der Linde, from Munster and Leinster respectively, that number will conceivably increase to 21 - leaving nine places on offer for rugby's showpiece event in 14 months' time.

Coach De Villiers has been working hard to ensure no potential players are forgotten, which has resulted in the selection of several overseas-based Springboks in the three Tests played so far in 2010.

After the Boks beat Wales 34-31 in Cardiff, De Villiers noted that the northern hemisphere-based group were a little off the pace of the players coming out of the Super 14.

It was a comment received badly north of the equator, but on the evidence presented by players such as BJ Botha, Frans Steyn and Butch James, De Villiers could be right.

Steyn's performance at fullback against Wales veered between competent and very bad, while Botha's scrumming has been less than stellar in the two matches he's been involved in.

James struggled in the inside-centre berth against Italy last week, admittedly after a career spent mostly at flyhalf. No8 Joe van Niekerk, despite a superb season with Toulon in France, showed he brings nothing more than either Pierre Spies or Ryan Kankowski.

So it is unlikely that De Villiers will move away from the 19 players he has already contracted, making the next few months crucial for those hoping to be involved in New Zealand next year.

Of the non-contracted players, centre Juan de Jongh and wing/ fullback Gio Aplon have made the biggest impression in the past month and have shown that they have what it takes at the highest level. Of course, clashes against Australia and New Zealand will be of an even higher calibre, and De Villiers will no doubt want to test them in that area.

Similarly, flanks Dewald Potgieter and Francois Louw, as well as prop Gurthro Steenkamp, have shone in various outings this year. Successful Super 14 campaigns have boosted their confidence and it has translated well in the Test arena.

Assuming they maintain the same standards, those five should be on the plane to New Zealand, leaving the coach with five more slots to fill. Hookers Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bandise Maku might end up contesting one place, while locks Flip van der Merwe and Alistair Hargreaves could be in a similar position.

At scrumhalf, Jano Vermaak is sure to come into the reckoning once his injuries are fully behind him, while utility back Francois Hougaard is the perfect allrounder for a World Cup squad. After a five-week injury lay-off, he's fit and should be given a chance at some time during the Tri-Nations.

Saturday's second Test against Italy might appear to be a worthless exercise, but for several players it could be their last chance in the shop window.