Huge blow.

Reigning World Champions South Africa look set to be without some of their biggest names, as they look to defend their title in France next month.

According to IOL Sport, the Boks will be without outhalf Handre Pollard, centre Lukhanyo Am, lock Lood de Jager and scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, in what is nothing short of a massive blow.

Pollard injured his calf while playing with Leicester Tigers in the Premiership last season, and it appears that it’s a recurring injury that’s set to keep him out of the World Cup.

Am, meanwhile, injured his knee in the game against Argentina over the weekend, and it appears the problem is much worse than expected, and will also rule him out of the World Cup.

De Jager looks set to miss out because of an illness, opening the door for Munster’s Jean Kleyn, while World Cup-winner Herschel Jantjies looks set to also be omitted from the squad.

There is a bit of good news for South Africa though. Captain Siya Kolisi is expected to make the cut after doing extensive rehab on a knee injury he picked up while on duty for the Sharks.

Head coach Jacques Nienaber will name his 33-man squad on Tuesday afternoon.