Johannesburg (AFP)

Kwagga Smith was preferred to Toulouse's third-row Rynhardt Elstadt in the 31-man squad announced Monday by South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus for the World Cup in Japan (20 September-2 November).

Elstadt teammate in Toulouse, the back or winger Cheslin Kolbe has however been retained, as the second line and future Toulon Eben Etzebeth, currently in the heart of a story that made the headlines.

According to reports, he reportedly uttered racist slurs against the homeless on Sunday in the coastal town of Langebaan (west) and assaulted him with a gun on him.

Etzebeth (27, 78.), vice-captain of the Springboks, denies the facts: "All these statements are false, as many witnesses can attest, I am, and I will always do everything to be an ambassador of this beautiful nation. in the sky and this sport that I love ".

The South African Federation supports him and recalled that there was "no room for violent or racist behavior within the South African national team".

Like Kolbe, Montpellier's versatile back Francois Steyn has been selected. 2007 World Champion, he was recalled this summer in selection after two years of absence.

The Springboks, who are among the favorites of the World Cup after winning the Rugby Championship in August, take off Friday for Japan, they face the September 6 in a warm-up match.

"I am very happy with the group I have been able to select, we have made progress since the start of last season and have a good balance between experienced players and sparkling young people," said Erasmus.

They will start the competition on the 21st with a shock against New Zealand, double title holder. They will then face Namibia, Italy and Canada.

"Our goal from the start has been to increase the depth of the squad and I am confident that each of 31 players is able to play a World Cup playoff game and be very good at it." -he adds.

Group of 31:

Forwards (17): Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Tendai Mtawarira (Sharks), Schalk Brits (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Lions), Bongi Mbonambi (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Saracens / ENG), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Trevor Nyakane (Bulls), Eben Etzebeth (Stormers / Toulon / FRA), Jager's Lood (Bulls), Franco Mostert (Gloucester / ENG), RG Snyman (Bulls), Siya Kolisi (Stormers, Cape), François Louw (Bath / ENG), Kwagga Smith (Lions), Pieter-Steph of the Roof (Stormers), Duane Vermeulen (Bulls)

Backs (14): Warrick Gelant (Bulls), Willie Roux (Toyota Verblitz / JPN), Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse / FRA), Sibusiso Nkosi (Sharks), Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Stormers), Francois Steyn (Montpellier / FRA), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Elton Jantjies (Lions), Handre Pollard (Bulls), Herschel Jantjies (Stormers), Klerk Faf (Sale Sharks / ENG), Cobus Reinach (Northampton / ENG)

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