Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks, isn't one to mess with a winning formula. Fresh off a resounding 43-10 thrashing of the All Blacks, Erasmus has made minimal tweaks to his squad for the upcoming showdown with Argentina in Durban. It's clear that he’s playing to keep the momentum rolling as the Rugby Championship heats up.
Only two changes are seen in the starting lineup with stalwarts Siya Kolisi leading as captain in his 97th test and Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse stepping up for the injured Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi. Willemse’s move to full-back makes room for Damian de Allende who will don the number 12 jersey, creating a dynamic midfield duo with Canan Moodie.
"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," Erasmus explained.
Changes aren’t just on the field; the bench sees a reshuffle too. Boan Venter will cover loosehead prop, stepping in for Jan-Hendrik Wessels who now covers hooker. Scrum-half duties on the bench have shifted from Grant Williams to Morne van den Berg, thanks to a niggle.
The Boks are well aware of the threat posed by Los Pumas, who have toppled giants this season including the All Blacks and Australia, not to mention their victory over the British & Irish Lions.
"This match is crucial for both teams. Given their recent performances, we will treat them with the respect they deserve," stated Erasmus. "They’ve made big strides in recent seasons, and with an astute coach like Felipe Contepomi, they are going to throw everything at us."
With all four Rugby Championship competitors still in contention for the title, every point and play counts. The historical head-to-heads are evenly matched, making this not just another game but a potential pivotal point in the championship race.
Springboks team against Argentina:
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 Kwagga Smith, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen
2,193 posts
Rassie Erasmus, the mastermind behind the Springboks, isn't one to mess with a winning formula. Fresh off a resounding 43-10 thrashing of the All Blacks, Erasmus has made minimal tweaks to his squad for the upcoming showdown with Argentina in Durban. It's clear that he’s playing to keep the momentum rolling as the Rugby Championship heats up.
Only two changes are seen in the starting lineup with stalwarts Siya Kolisi leading as captain in his 97th test and Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse stepping up for the injured Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi. Willemse’s move to full-back makes room for Damian de Allende who will don the number 12 jersey, creating a dynamic midfield duo with Canan Moodie.
"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," Erasmus explained.
Changes aren’t just on the field; the bench sees a reshuffle too. Boan Venter will cover loosehead prop, stepping in for Jan-Hendrik Wessels who now covers hooker. Scrum-half duties on the bench have shifted from Grant Williams to Morne van den Berg, thanks to a niggle.
The Boks are well aware of the threat posed by Los Pumas, who have toppled giants this season including the All Blacks and Australia, not to mention their victory over the British & Irish Lions.
"This match is crucial for both teams. Given their recent performances, we will treat them with the respect they deserve," stated Erasmus. "They’ve made big strides in recent seasons, and with an astute coach like Felipe Contepomi, they are going to throw everything at us."
With all four Rugby Championship competitors still in contention for the title, every point and play counts. The historical head-to-heads are evenly matched, making this not just another game but a potential pivotal point in the championship race.
Springboks team against Argentina:
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 Kwagga Smith, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen