Bismarck du Plessis and Frans Steyn are among five overseas-based Springboks still in contention for next year’s World Cup squad.

Du Plessis and Steyn were called up by Erasmus for the Test series against England in June this year before withdrawing due to ‘injury’. However, SARugbymag.co.za understands that SA Rugby’s inability to cover the Montpellier duo’s medical insurance was the real reason for their absence.

Du Plessis has not played for the Boks since the 2015 World Cup, while Steyn’s last cap came in June 2017.

According to Rapport newspaper, Du Plessis could go to the 2019 World Cup if one of the current Bok hookers – Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi and Schalk Brits – are injured.

The newspaper also claims that Montpellier centre Jan Serfontein, Racing 92 flyhalf Pat Lambie and Worcester Warriors scrumhalf Francois Hougaard are still in World Cup contention.

While Hougaard was not available for Test rugby this year, Erasmus has plans for him in 2019, according to the newspaper.

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