Joining Sacha in the comeback are captain Siya Kolisi, the formidable lock duo of Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager, and scrumhalf Morné van den Berg. This recovery marks a significant boost for the team as they prepare to dive into the heart of their season.
The team is scheduled to split into two groups departing for Argentina this Saturday. While they jet off, a cohort of players who have been central to the Springboks' initial games will stay in Johannesburg. These include notable names like Cheslin Kolbe and Jesse Kriel, who are set for intensive training sessions ahead of the much-anticipated series against the All Blacks.
"We tried to get the balance right between giving some guys who are returning from injury and who have not had too much game time in our last four matches a valuable run against Argentina, while at the same time managing the players who have played a lot of rugby this year," said Erasmus.
Erasmus highlighted the recovery efforts of the players this week, expressing confidence in their readiness for the tough match ahead. This approach aims to sharpen their skills before facing the formidable New Zealand team.
The players who have been at the core of the season’s matches are having their playtime managed to avoid burnout. Meanwhile, the likes of Ox Nché and Franco Mostert are continuing their recovery, with next week’s training seen as crucial for their return.
Erasmus anticipates a robust challenge from Los Pumas, praising their coaching and competitive edge, particularly in the Nations Championship. His respect for the Argentine squad underscores the intensity expected in Buenos Aires.
"Argentina are a quality outfit and we know we will be in for a massive challenge in Buenos Aires, so we are preparing for a physical and gruelling battle over there," Erasmus elaborated.
The team’s preparation involved a week of rigorous training where strategies were refined and objectives set, ensuring all players are primed for the tasks ahead.
The Springbok squad list is as follows:
- 1. Thomas du Toit
- 2. Johan Grobbelaar
- 3. Wilco Louw
- 4. Eben Etzebeth
- 5. Lood de Jager
- 6. Siya Kolisi (c)
- 7. Marco van Staden
- 8. Elrigh Louw
- 9. Cobus Reinach
- 10. Handre Pollard
- 11. Aphelele Fassi
- 12. Andre Esterhuizen
- 13. Jesse Kriel
- 14. Cheslin Kolbe
- 15. Damian Willemse
- 16. Zachary Porthen
- 17. Gerhard Steenekamp
- 18. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- 19. Cobus Wiese
- 20. Boan Venter
- 21. Herschel Jantjies
- 22. Morné van den Berg
- 23. Edwill van der Merwe
With the Springboks' squad now reassembled and strategies in place, it’s clear that they are on a mission to dominate both on and off the field, starting with their imminent face-off against Argentina.
