Nienaber admits gutsy Bok XV muddies WC selection waters: 'Final meeting will be difficult'

While there's still a distinct sense that the Springboks won't assemble a World Cup squad with many surprises, head coach Jacques Nienaber admitted that the sheer number of fine showings in Saturday's 24-13 victory over Argentina has presented him with a welcome headache.

"It's going to be a very difficult team selection meeting," he said.

"A lot of guys put their hands up. Out of the 38 who've featured to date, all of them made their mark."

Most of the interesting selection dilemmas lie in the backline, where Canan Moodie and Andre Esterhuizen have muddied the waters considerably.

20-year-old Moodie was patently outstanding, delivering a performance brimming with class both on defence and attack.

So compelling was his presence that his Bulls team-mate Kurt-Lee Arendse, until this weekend considered his "direct opponent" in terms of being picked for France, was the only unused substitute on the day.

Makazole Mapimpi, perceived in some quarters to be under pressure, looked far more comfortable after a misfire against the All Blacks and has arguably made his spot on the plane safe.

The other major decision lies with taking Andre Esterhuizen.

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Granted two opportunities to impress over the past month, the Harlequins talisman has seized them both and will now be genuinely unlucky to miss out, in contrast to four years ago.

However, Jesse Kriel's excellent stint off the bench and last weekend's showing at Ellis Park still arguably puts him slightly ahead in the race as he's a veteran of the Springbok setup under the current regime.

Esterhuizen could benefit though from Lukhanyo Am's possible misfortune if his leg injury, which saw him replaced at