The Springboks have received a timely boost ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Buenos Aires. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled several experienced players from injury, including captain Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg.
Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker also return after recovering from minor injuries sustained during the Rugby Championship. Erasmus has made 13 changes to the side that comfortably defeated Wales in the Springboks’ previous Test.
Springboks make sweeping changes to starting XV
Only seven players from the 43-0 victory over Wales remain in the matchday 23. However, just two keep their places in the starting lineup.
Aphelele Fassi continues at fullback, while Cobus Reinach starts at scrumhalf. Meanwhile, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese and Gerhard Steenekamp provide experienced cover from the bench.
The Springboks will field a completely new forward pack. Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Thomas du Toit form the front row. Behind them, Eben Etzebeth reunites with Lood de Jager in the second row.
Captain Siya Kolisi leads a loose trio that includes Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom.
In the backline, Reinach partners Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback. Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie combine in midfield, while Ethan Hooker, Edwill van der Merwe and Fassi complete an exciting back three.
Erasmus confident returning Springboks are ready
Erasmus believes the match provides the ideal opportunity for the returning players to regain valuable Test match experience.
“This match is the perfect occasion for players like Siya, Eben, Lood, Sacha, Morne and the other players returning from injury to get a tough Test under the belt,” said Erasmus.
He expects Argentina to provide a stern examination.
“The guys have worked incredibly hard to recover from injury. There is no better test than facing the Pumas in Argentina.”
Erasmus also praised the rest of the squad for their patience throughout the recent selection rotation.
“The players have waited for their opportunities while we tested different combinations. There is real excitement within the group to get back onto the field.”
Springboks expect a fierce Argentina challenge
The Springboks know they face one of the toughest away fixtures on the international calendar.
According to Erasmus, Argentina’s passion and determination closely mirror South Africa’s approach to Test rugby.
“The Argentineans are very similar to South Africans. Their passion for their country and the way they keep fighting make them extremely dangerous.”
He also reminded his players that the Springboks have lost twice in Argentina before.
“They produced courageous performances during the Rugby Championship and will have a point to prove on Saturday. We know exactly what lies ahead.”
Experienced and Youth combine for the Springboks
Erasmus believes the squad has the right balance of proven experience and exciting young talent.
The group features several Rugby World Cup winners alongside emerging stars eager to establish themselves at Test level.
“They have adapted well to the time zone and trained with real intensity,” Erasmus said.
“We have complete faith that they will rise to the occasion.”
Los Pumas demand an 80-minute performance
Erasmus expects a disciplined and clinical display from his side.
He praised Argentina’s coaching under Felipe Contepomi and highlighted the quality throughout their squad.
“They have a strong forward pack and dangerous backs. They will also enjoy tremendous home support.”
For that reason, the Springboks must execute their game plan from the opening whistle.
“We need to be accurate, take our scoring opportunities and maintain our intensity for the full 80 minutes.”
He added that previous meetings have often been fiercely contested.
“We’ve had to grind out results against them before. This weekend will require another complete performance.”
Match details
The Rugby Championship encounter takes place at Estadio José Amalfitani in Buenos Aires on Saturday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 (SA time), with live coverage available on SuperSport.
Springboks team to face Argentina
Starting XV
- Aphelele Fassi
- Edwill van der Merwe
- Canan Moodie
- Andre Esterhuizen
- Ethan Hooker
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
- Cobus Reinach
- Cameron Hanekom
- Elrigh Louw
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Lood de Jager
- Eben Etzebeth
- Thomas du Toit
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Boan Venter
Replacements
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Zachary Porthen
- Ben-Jason Dixon
- Cobus Wiese
- Marco van Staden
- Morne van den Berg
- Handre Pollard
