It's official: Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has named his 31 representatives for this year's Rugby World Cup in Japan. 

Rassie has elected to roll with 17 forwards and 14 backs. 

The Boks will travel to Japan with a healthy mixture of experience and youth. Fifteen players bring with them prior World Cup experience, three of those making their third RWC appearance (Francois Steyn, Tendai Mtawarira, Francois Louw).

Six members of the squad have made their South Africa debuts in the past two years since Erasmus took over, including Herschel Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe, Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi, Kwagga Smith, and RG Snyman.

Eight of Erasmus' 31 players played this past season in Europe (five in England and two in France).

Despite recent assault allegations against Eben Etzebeth, the towering lock is still included in Rassie's side after pleading his innocence surrounding the matters. 

Not included in the team is the injured Aphiwe Dyantyi, who recently tested positive for a banned substance. He has appealed and is awaiting further hearing. 

The Boks will play one more test match against Japan on September 6 before their World Cup campaign begins September 21 against the All Blacks. 

Props

Steven Kitshoff (39); Vincent Koch (15); Frans Malherbe (31); Tendai Mtawarira (110); Trevor Nyakane (40)

Hookers

Schalk Brits (13); Malcolm Marx (26); Bongi Mbonambi (29)

Locks

Lood de Jager (40); Eben Etzebeth (78); Franco Mostert (31) ; RG Snyman (15)

Flankers

Pieter-Steph du Toit (49); Siya Kolisi (42); Francois Louw (68); Kwagga Smith (4)

No. 8

Duane Vermeulen (48)

Halfbacks

Faf de Klerk (24); Hershcel Jantjies (3); Cobus Reinach (12)

Flyhalves

Elton Jantjies (35); Handre Pollard (41)

Centers

Lukhanyo Am (8); Damian de Allende (39); Jesse Kriel (44); Francois Steyn (60)

Back Three

Warren Gelant (7); Cheslin Kolbe (9); Makazole Mapimpi (7); Sbu Nkosi (8); Willie le Roux (55)