The return of Jean de Villiers is essential to the success of the Springboks' bid for a record third rugby World Cup title later this year. Former long-serving captain and World Cup winner John Smit stressed the importance of having a talismanic leader at the spectacle."Jean has been a fantastic captain off the field and he's been a fantastic captain for the players."He has made an unbelievably successful transition in terms of his demeanour with the referees, and as a go-between with players and management. And he is generally a good guy," said Smit.He lauded his successor's influence in the squad but reluctantly acknowledged the possibility of the team travelling without De Villiers if he failed in his attempts to regain fitness."He's an inside centre and it's not like there are a thousand guys lining up who are in form. I suppose that takes some pressure off Jean if he's fit," said Smit.Butch James, another World Cup winner from the class of 2007, ran the rule over the Springboks' flyhalf options but also noted the significance of those operating on either side."Obviously your nine is important because you need that quick, crisp service, but whoever is at 12 is also vital."To me, it's about nine, 10 and 12," said James, who is in no doubt about who should wear the No9 jersey."I'd still go with Fourie du Preez. His service is still crisp and as quick as ever."Unfortunately, not a lot of nines have put their hands up in Super rugby. I'd go with Cobus Reinach to come on as the impact player. It's a pity he's been injured."I'd pick a player like Fourie over any X-factor player. Fourie's basic skills and decision-making ability are unbelievable."He was more circumspect about the flyhalf contenders."Handré Pollard is probably still leading the race there: it's between him, Pat Lambie and Elton Jantjies."Obviously, Pat has been out for a while, which is a bit of a worry. Handré has been playing a lot; Elton has been playing some of the best rugby I've seen him play."I hope whoever gets picked shows a bit of form and carries it throughout the World Cup because it won't be good to swap guys around. They need momentum."Let's hope our forwards can lay a better platform for Handré."The only player that scares me a little is Elton, because I have played with him. I've seen him fall apart a bit in tight situations. But that was three or four years ago. I think he has matured."Pat is probably the coolest, calmest player you'll see on a rugby field. Handré was playing U-20 World Cup at school, so if he can do that he can handle a World Cup."James added he'd consider Morné Steyn only if the other players weren't kicking well at goal.For James, it's about not fluffing your lines at the World Cup.For Smit, it's all about sticking to the script."When you are thrown curve balls it will be your ability to stick with the things that worked for you as a team that will take you there."..