Rassie Erasmus retains Wellington heroes for Springboks' big for Argentina Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made two injury-enforced changes and a positional switch to his starting line-up for Saturday’s crucial Rugby Championship clash against Argentina at Kings Park in Durban.

Experienced lock Eben Etzebeth and centre Damian de Allende return in place of Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi, who were both injured in the Boks’ 43-10 victory over the All Blacks in Wellington. De Allende slots in at inside centre, while Damian Willemse shifts to fullback after wearing the No 12 jersey at the Cake Tin.

Erasmus also made three changes to his bench, which will once again feature a 5–3 split. Boan Venter returns at prop, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels providing cover at hooker, while scrumhalf Morne van den Berg takes over from the injured Grant Williams.

“We were very pleased with the way the team rose to the challenge against the All Blacks, and looking at the Pumas and their strengths, we believe this is the best team for this specific match,” said Erasmus.

“The make-up of this side not only gives us consistency in selection, but we’ll also have the vast experience of Eben and Damian in the starting team, and they’re excited to get back on the field. On the bench, Jan-Hendrik covers prop and hooker equally efficiently, so Boan gets another chance along with Morne.”

Erasmus expects a stern battle against the Pumas, who sit third on the log with nine points, two behind leaders Australia (11). The Springboks are second on 10, level with the All Blacks but ahead on points difference.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas,” Erasmus said. “They’ve beaten New Zealand and Australia already in this competition, and also the British & Irish Lions earlier this year, so they deserve every bit of respect.

“They’ve made big strides in recent seasons under Felipe Contepomi, and they boast a strong pack and talented backs, so they pose threats across the field.”

Erasmus, however, insisted his side were primed for the challenge.

“We’ve had a good week of training since assembling last Thursday, and the players know what to expect. Similarly to us, Argentina are proud and passionate — they will give everything for their country.

“As things stand, any team can still win the title, so we have to take our chances and play for the full 80 minutes if we want the result we’re after.

“They’ve beaten us in Durban before, and they’re currently ranked sixth in the world ahead of the Wallabies, so history counts for nothing. We know we’ll have to be at our very best.”

Springbok team to face Argentina in Durban:

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 (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.