Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard on the road to recovery, says Nienaber

Pollard is recovering from a lingering calf injury while Kolisi is on the comeback trail following a partial ACL tear.

Both men were key performers for the Springboks during their winning World Cup run in Japan four years ago, and Bok fans will be hoping they are fit and ready to go when this year's tournament gets underway.

"Handre (Pollard) and Siya (Kolisi) are also on the road to recovery and if everything goes well, hopefully they can play in the Rugby World Cup warm-up matches," Nienaber said on Thursday.

"We can't predict for certain when they'll be back, but what I can say is that we won't push them."

Nienaber also offered a positive update on injured Bok prop Ox Nche.

"Ox is doing well. He's back in camp after two weeks out, and he'll probably be out for another four weeks or so.

"All three are players who have done the job for us before and we know they'll be able to come back from injury and play."

Also fronting up to the media on Thursday was centre Jesse Kriel.

With four matches left before they start the defence of their title in France, Kriel said he was thrilled to be part of the wider squad and was on board with the coaches' plans in terms of team selection, even though he hoped to be able to secure more game time.

"The team to face Argentina will only be selected next week, but of course I'm desperate to play," said Kriel. "If you ask any player, they'll tell you they want to play, but we understand that the selections are always based on what the team needs against specific opposition."

Commenting on his rugby at Japanese club Canon Eagles, Kriel said he is enjoying his time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

"It's a foreign country with a different language and less distractions, so it allows you more time to work on your rugby. They also have an amazing work ethic over there and someone is always willing to help after training, so I think I've become a better player playing on that side."