With Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard in cruise control, and little to no credible competition for the No 10 jersey, who would you start in an emergency at the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

Should Pollard be ruled out of participating in the France tournament next year, the Boks will rue having spurned the opportunity to develop a capable and confident replacement for the 64-Test World Cup winner.

The official reserve flyhalf, Elton Jantjies is coming off his worst performance in the green jersey. Thrust into the starting lineup after six months on the sidelines, Jantjies was pulled after a horror-show 40 minutes against Wales in Pretoria.

A potential heir to Pollard’s throne, the Boks see Damian Willemse as the answer at fullback where he has this season taken over from Willie le Roux as the starter, while still doubling up as Damian de Allende’s cover at inside centre.

Looking outside the current Rugby Championship squad, the options are limited.

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Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen, who seems to battle perennially with injury and controversy, last played in October and is working his way back from a long-term knee injury. However, he was included in Bok alignment camps held in April.

Manie Libbok shot the lights out for the Stormers in the URC, and offers a solid goal-kicking and playmaking option, but has yet to earn a call-up to a Bok alignment camp.

Bulls pivot Chris Smith is a solid option but a long shot. Jordan Hendrikse has the makings of a top playmaker, but has bizarrely been groomed for a Springbok Sevens role when he should be clocking as much game time at the highest level in fifteens.

Sharks kicking ace Curwin Bosch has not been recalled since making the second of his two Test appearances in Rassie Erasmus’ first Test at the helm in 2018, against Wales in Washington DC.