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Johannesburg - Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer reiterated that his final 31-player Rugby World Cup squad was far from finalised.
Although the Bok mentor was sure about his preferred starting XV, he said fringe players could still stake a claim for places to the global showpiece to be held in England and Wales in September.
“There are obviously those that has performed over the years, but form is also important to see guys coming through and see how they can perform under pressure,” Meyer said.
“After three years I know which guys can play under pressure and can play at the highest level and there is still time to get them back to their best.
“I have some idea of the first XV but the door is still open for every guy to go to the World Cup and there are always guys that come in late.”
Meyer said a player like Bulls fullback Jesse Kriel, who has been a revelation in the final line of defence in this year’s Super Rugby, was an example of a player putting his hand up.
Kriel has been part of Meyer’s plans for some time and has spent time in the Springbok camp in early 2014.
“A guy like Jesse Kriel has always been training with us as a youngster, he was very close to selection last year,” Meyer said.
“I don’t believe in pecking orders and I believe the best 31 must go to the World Cup.”
A total of 19 uncapped players attended the first Springbok camp with 16 being part in previous training or planning camps since Meyer took charge in 2012.
Vincent Koch, Faf de Klerk and Cheslin Kolbe were the only new faces at the three-day camp in Johannesburg.
