Springboks Stick to Winning Formula as Erasmus Names Team for Argentina Test in Durban

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has kept faith with his winning formula for Saturday’s Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against Argentina at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban. Only two changes have been made to the starting line-up that overpowered the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington last weekend.

Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse return to the run-on side, replacing the injured Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi. Their inclusion sees Damian de Allende shift back to inside centre, partnering with Canan Moodie in midfield. Captain Siya Kolisi, earning his 97th Test cap, will once again lead the side.

New Faces on the Bench

On the replacements’ bench, Boan Venter joins at prop, Jan-Hendrik Wessels provides cover at hooker, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg takes over from the injured Grant Williams.

Erasmus explained the decision:

“We were very pleased with the way the team rose to the challenge against the All Blacks in Wellington, and looking at the Pumas team and their strengths, we believe this would be the best team for this specific match. The make-up of this team not only allows us consistency in selection, but we’ll also have the vast experience of Eben and Damian de Allende in the starting team, who are excited to get back on the field again.”

Championship Stakes Are High

With the Pumas (9 points) sitting just behind log leaders Australia (11 points), and the Boks and All Blacks tied on 10, Saturday’s Test is a crucial one.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas… They’ve made big strides in the last few seasons, and have an astute coach in Felipe Contepomi, so we know they are going to throw everything at us,” said Erasmus.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17h10 (SA time), live on SuperSport.

Springbok Team to Face Argentina

Starting XV
15. Damian Willemse
14. Cheslin Kolbe
13. Canan Moodie
12. Damian de Allende
11. Ethan Hooker
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9. Cobus Reinach
8. Jasper Wiese
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit
6. Siya Kolisi (c)
5. Ruan Nortje
4. Eben Etzebeth
3. Thomas du Toit
2. Malcolm Marx

1. Ox Nche

Replacements
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17. Boan Venter
18. Wilco Louw
19. RG Snyman
20. Marco van Staden / Kwagga Smith (clarify depending on final release)
21. Morne van den Berg
22. Manie Libbok
23. Andre Esterhuizen