D-day for World Cup Bok squad

28 August 2015 - 09:17 By CRAIG RAY

Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer will reveal the 31-man Rugby World Cup squad in Durban tonight. The unveiling of the Bok World Cup squad has always been tinged with controversy, from the first announcement in 1995 when Tiaan Strauss was overlooked and Francois Pienaar named captain, to singer Ard Matthews botching the national anthem in 2011.Meyer and his trusted advisers have been pondering a deeply complex task, especially as he has to meet transformation quotas . A target of nine black players was set but Meyer might not meet that target unless he makes some surprise selections ahead of the England tournament.More worrying, though, is the physical state of several key players as the cut-off looms.No 8 Duane Vermeulen is only expected to be ready for game two of the tournament against Samoa.Jean de Villiers, who is expected to be named as skipper, is also unlikely to play in the opening game against Japan on September 19 as he continues his recovery from a broken jaw.Other worries are Francois Louw, Victor Matfield and Jannie du Plessis .The Springbok World Cup squad announcement airs tonight from 5.30pm on Supersport 1...

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