Head coach Jacques Nienaber has defended the exclusion of flyhalf Handre Pollard from the Springboks’ squad for this year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Pollard has been sidelined by a calf injury, while loose forward and captain Siya Kolisi has been included despite a knee injury.

“With Handre over his injury, but, in my opinion, is not fit enough to play and perform and win a Test match for you,” said Nienaber.

“He’s busy getting there, and remember when we selected him, the public doesn’t give a rat’s ass that he hasn’t played in 16 weeks.

“He must perform, and he must be the Pollard that won the World Cup in 2019. That’s the picture of the Pollard they want.”

South Africa’s 33-man Rugby World Cup squad includes four scrum-halves – Faf de Klerk, Grant Williams, Cobus Reinach and Jaden Hendrikse.

“By having four nines, Grant can cover wing, and Faf is our third-choice 10,” added Nienaber.

“Remember, we went to the 2019 World Cup with two 10s, and Frans Steyn was our third-choice flyhalf, yet he only played in the position last year against Argentina.

“Everybody commented on how much of a disaster it was and why we shouldn’t have picked him at flyhalf.”

“It’s like taking three specialist hookers to the World Cup, and you’ll find the third one won’t play much.”

“They’ll get 15 minutes here and there, and the same is applicable to the third 10 if three 10s are taken with.”

South Africa are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions. They have won the tournament three times – in 2019, 2007 and 1995.