Erasmus Names 33-Man Squad as Springboks Gear Up for Argentina Showdown

Byron Lukas

Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has named a 33-man squad for the final two Castle Lager Rugby Championship matches against Argentina, retaining much of the group that recently defended the Freedom Cup in New Zealand.

The Boks will face the Pumas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban, on 27 September, before travelling to Twickenham, London, on 4 October for the decisive clash.

Injuries Force Key Changes

Injuries continue to shape Erasmus’ selection. Lock Lood de Jager, loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, and fullback Aphelele Fassi picked up knocks on tour. At the same time, long-term absentees Gerhard Steenekamp, Frans Malherbe, Salmaan Moerat, and Kurt-Lee Arendse remain sidelined.

Medical assessments this week may see as many as three additional players drafted into the squad, with 30 expected to travel to London.

Rugby Championship Log: It’s Still Wide Open

After four rounds, the Wallabies top the log with 11 points, while the Springboks and All Blacks sit just behind on 10, and Argentina remain in contention with nine.

With just two matches left, every side has a realistic shot at the Rugby Championship title, making the Durban and London fixtures crucial.

Erasmus Confident in His Squad

“This group of players have been together for over 13 weeks now, and they’ve shown that they are the right players for this big task against the Pumas,” said Erasmus.

He emphasised the value of blending youth with experience: “The fact that the younger and older guys have been training with one another almost daily really paid off last weekend. We have no doubt that if we continue showing our faith in these players, we will get the best out of them.”

Tough Challenge Ahead Against Rising Pumas

Argentina, fresh off a 28-26 win over the Wallabies in Sydney, have climbed to sixth in the World Rugby rankings. Erasmus expects bruising encounters, recalling last year’s shock loss in Santiago Del Estero.

“The Pumas are a tough and physical outfit, and they’ll come to South Africa full of confidence,” Erasmus said. “They’ve shown they can beat the best, including us and the All Blacks.”

Springbok Squad to Face Argentina

Forwards: Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.

Backs: Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.