Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has gone for continuity in selection ahead of Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban, sticking closely to the side that thrashed the All Blacks 43–10 in Wellington.
Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the team in his 97th Test, while two changes see Eben Etzebeth return at lock and Damian Willemse reclaim the No. 15 jersey, replacing the injured Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi. Damian de Allende also returns at inside centre to partner Canan Moodie in midfield.
On the bench, Boan Venter joins as prop cover, Jan-Hendrik Wessels switches to hooker, and Morne van den Berg steps in for the injured Grant Williams.
“We were very pleased with the way the team rose to the challenge against the All Blacks in Wellington,” Erasmus told SA Rugby. “Looking at the Pumas and their strengths, we believe this is the best team for this specific match.”
“The make-up of the side gives us consistency, while Eben and Damian de Allende bring huge experience. On the bench, Jan-Hendrik covers both prop and hooker, so Boan gets another chance, along with Morne.”
With the Wallabies leading the log on 11 points, the Boks and All Blacks tied on 10, and the Pumas on 9, the Durban showdown could define the championship race.
“This is a vital match for both us and Argentina,” Erasmus warned. “They’ve beaten New Zealand, Australia, and even the British & Irish Lions in recent years. They’ve made big strides under Felipe Contepomi and have threats across the park.”
He added: “We know they’ll throw everything at us. For us, it’s about taking our scoring chances and playing for the full 80 minutes. As things stand, any team can still win the title.”
Springbok Match-Day Squad vs Argentina
1.Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Canan Moodie, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Damian Willemse REPLACEMENTS 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Boan Venter, 18. Wilco Louw, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Morne van den Berg, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Andre Esterhuizen
Quick Stats
Boks vs Pumas: Played 38 | Won 33 | Lost 4 | Drawn 1 | Win %: 86.8
Last 12 clashes: SA won 10, losses both away in Argentina
Kolisi on 97 caps, 3 away from 100
Etzebeth to extend his record to 137 Tests – most capped Springbok
Four players with 90+ caps: Etzebeth, Kolisi, Du Toit, De Allende
Starting XV total caps: 782 (forwards 526, backs 256) | Bench adds 189
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