In a dramatic twist of fate, the Springboks have summoned World Cup hero Lood de Jager back to the fray for their upcoming clash with Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. This urgent recall comes as utility forward Franco Mostert steps away due to a family bereavement, leaving a noticeable gap just days before Saturday’s significant rematch.
De Jager, a stalwart in the 2019 triumph, had been sidelined with an injury during South Africa's recent overpowering 43-10 win against the All Blacks in Wellington. Nevertheless, after a swift recovery, he's now fully fit and ready to tackle the Pumas, following an initial 67-30 rout by the Boks in Durban.
"We all feel deeply for Franco and wish him strength during this challenging time, and we’ll support him as well as we can,” Rassie Erasmus remarked. “Fortunately, Lood has recovered from his injury, and his experience and leadership will be valuable in such an important week for the team."
The Springboks, current frontrunners in the Rugby Championship, hold a slim lead with a one-point advantage over their closest rivals, the All Blacks. With the Wallabies trailing and Argentina at the bottom, the stage is set for a fierce contest as South Africa aims to clinch the title back-to-back for the first time in history.
The team's journey to London was marked by optimism and a smooth transition, thanks to an overnight flight. "The journey to London was good, and with it being an overnight flight, the players rested well on the plane and look fresh and ready to get back into the swing of things tomorrow," Erasmus shared, noting the minimal time zone changes aiding their adjustment.
“This is a massive game, and we have no doubt Argentina will come out guns blazing to finish their campaign on a high note, but at the same time, we have a chance to win the competition back-to-back for the first time in history, so we have all the motivation we need this week,” Erasmus added.
The Boks' matchday squad for the crucial Saturday Test against Felipe Contepomi’s squad will be announced on Tuesday, as preparations intensify for what promises to be a riveting showdown.
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In a dramatic twist of fate, the Springboks have summoned World Cup hero Lood de Jager back to the fray for their upcoming clash with Argentina at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. This urgent recall comes as utility forward Franco Mostert steps away due to a family bereavement, leaving a noticeable gap just days before Saturday’s significant rematch.
De Jager, a stalwart in the 2019 triumph, had been sidelined with an injury during South Africa's recent overpowering 43-10 win against the All Blacks in Wellington. Nevertheless, after a swift recovery, he's now fully fit and ready to tackle the Pumas, following an initial 67-30 rout by the Boks in Durban.
"We all feel deeply for Franco and wish him strength during this challenging time, and we’ll support him as well as we can,” Rassie Erasmus remarked. “Fortunately, Lood has recovered from his injury, and his experience and leadership will be valuable in such an important week for the team."
The Springboks, current frontrunners in the Rugby Championship, hold a slim lead with a one-point advantage over their closest rivals, the All Blacks. With the Wallabies trailing and Argentina at the bottom, the stage is set for a fierce contest as South Africa aims to clinch the title back-to-back for the first time in history.
The team's journey to London was marked by optimism and a smooth transition, thanks to an overnight flight. "The journey to London was good, and with it being an overnight flight, the players rested well on the plane and look fresh and ready to get back into the swing of things tomorrow," Erasmus shared, noting the minimal time zone changes aiding their adjustment.
“This is a massive game, and we have no doubt Argentina will come out guns blazing to finish their campaign on a high note, but at the same time, we have a chance to win the competition back-to-back for the first time in history, so we have all the motivation we need this week,” Erasmus added.
The Boks' matchday squad for the crucial Saturday Test against Felipe Contepomi’s squad will be announced on Tuesday, as preparations intensify for what promises to be a riveting showdown.