Springboks name team for Scotland World Cup opener as Willemse, Kriel, Wiese start

The Springboks have named their team to take on Scotland and launch their title defence in their 2023 Rugby World Cup opener in Marseille on Sunday.

The major talking points are that Damian Willemse is preferred at fullback to Willie le Roux while Jesse Kriel cracks the nod ahead of Canan Moodie at outside centre.

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There had been a lot of talk around the 20-year-old Moodie being backed at No 13, but he was not considered for selection due to a hamstring niggle. 

Coach Jacques Nienaber has also opted for 2019 World Cup hero Cheslin Kolbe and Bulls speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse as his wings, with Makazole Mapimpi missing out. 

Jasper Wiese, meanwhile, will start at No 8 while veteran Duane Vermeulen is among the substitutes in a 6/2, forwards/backs split that includes Le Roux and scrumhalf Grant Williams as replacement. 

Jean Kleyn was unavailable due to a knee injury. 

Faf de Klerk, one of 11 players to retain his starting position from the 35-7 victory over New Zealand at Twickenham two weekends ago, will earn his 50th Test cap. 

"We are pleased with the squad depth we have built in the last few months, and we believe this group of players strikes the right balance to achieve the result we need against Scotland," said Nienaber.

"We are very excited about this occasion. We’ve been building for this World Cup for the last four years and we are thrilled to get our campaign started.

"We’ve been working hard in the last few weeks to make sure we are as prepared as possible going into this match and we are fully aware of the challenge that awaits us."

Nienaber also heaped praise on De Klerk.

"Earning 50 Test caps is a massive achievement and to mark that feat in the opening game of the Rugby World