The Springboks have received a major boost ahead of their Nations Championship clash against Argentina, with captain Siya Kolisi leading the return of several experienced internationals for Saturday’s Test in Buenos Aires.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has recalled a number of senior players who have recovered from injury, including Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Morne van den Berg. Andre Esterhuizen and Ethan Hooker also return after overcoming minor injury concerns.
The selection sees 13 changes from the side that comfortably defeated Wales 43-0 in Durban, with only Aphelele Fassi and Cobus Reinach retaining their places in the starting XV. Five players from that victory:Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Ben-Jason Dixon, Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese and Gerhard Steenekamp have been named among the replacements.
The Springboks will field an entirely new forward pack, with Boan Venter, Johan Grobbelaar and Thomas du Toit forming the front row. Eben Etzebeth reunites with Lood de Jager in the second row, while Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom make up the loose trio.
In the backline, Cobus Reinach partners Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, with Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie combining in midfield. Ethan Hooker and Edwill van der Merwe start on the wings, while Aphelele Fassi retains the No.15 jersey.
Erasmus believes the encounter offers the perfect opportunity for his returning players to regain valuable match fitness against one of the toughest opponents in world rugby.
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 and get back into full swing at international level, as Argentina are a formidable team who will push us to the limit,Erasmus said.
He praised the commitment shown by the returning players during their rehabilitation and believes they have earned their chance to return to the international stage.
The Springbok coach also warned against underestimating Los Pumas, highlighting their physicality, resilience and passionate home support.
They have beaten us twice in Argentina before and they delivered brave performances in their Nations Championship matches. We know exactly how difficult this challenge will be,Erasmus added.
South Africa will be looking to continue their strong Nations Championship campaign, but Erasmus expects a fierce battle against an Argentina side coached by Felipe Contepomi, who he believes possess a powerful forward pack and dangerous attacking threats.
The match kicks off in Buenos Aires on Saturday as the world champions aim to maintain their momentum against one of the southern hemisphere’s most formidable opponents.
Images: Springboks (Twitter)