Bok boss Nienaber backs seniors for France 2023: 'We believe Duane, Pieter-Steph can make World Cup'

Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber will be counting on his senior players between the first Test against Wales this year and all through to France 2023.

The mentor said the Bok are preparing for a "hectic" 2022 schedule while also keeping the 2023 World Cup, where they will look to defend their title, in mind. 

2022 is shaping up to be a gruelling year and one that will be crucial to planning for France, and Nienaber is turning to his senior players, even those who have fitness concerns and age hovering over them currently. 

SNienaber broached the subject when he listed the marquee of players chomping at the bit to play for the national team, especially at loose-forward.

"We honestly believe Duane [Vermeulen] can still make France 2023. We honestly believe Pieter Steph [Do Toit] can still make 2023, we still believe Siya Kolisi can make France 2023," the head coach said.

"When I say ‘we still believe’, that’s saying there aren’t big injuries; that’s saying they perform on the field and they do the main thing.

"The main thing is you must play rugby well on Saturday, so if they perform on the field and play like they are currently doing, we believe they can go to France 2023."

He’s just explained how he plans to manage their workload, which is top priority for next 17 (18 if lucky) before they defend their crown. https://t.co/xwPlNWXfdE

There are 17 Tests before France 2023 with the coach admitting they are working on securing an additional one.

"We’ve got quite a hectic schedule this year. It’s going to be a tough season for us, but as I would tell our players, that’s exactly what you want before a World Cup; you want to be tested against the best in the world," said Nienaber.

"If you look at our schedule, we will get tested by the