Springboks training camp at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
JOHANNESBURG - Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made 10 changes to the starting 15 for their Rugby Championship showdown against Argentina in Santiago del Estero on Saturday.
Salmaan Moerat will captain a reshuffled side, as the Boks aim to secure their first Championship title since 2019. Only five players – Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, Handre Pollard, and Jesse Kriel – retain their starting positions from the side that defeated New Zealand 18-12 in Cape Town.
Lukhanyo Am and Malcolm Marx have been promoted to the starting line-up, while Eben Etzebeth, who will equal Victor Matfield’s Springbok record of 127 caps if he plays, is shifted to the bench.
Aphelele Fassi returns at fullback, with Kurt-Lee Arendse and Makazole Mapimpi on the wings.
Cobus Reinach and Pollard will pair up at halfback.
“We’re excited to see how the younger players rise to the challenge in Argentina,” said Erasmus, highlighting the significance of squad depth and future World Cup preparations.
The Springboks have an impressive 88.9% win rate against Argentina, with just three losses in 36 matches.
South Africa have won nine of their last ten matches against Argentina.
However, Erasmus expects a tough test as Los Pumas remain in the running for their first-ever Championship title.
The Boks could secure a sixth straight victory, their longest winning streak in the competition’s history.
Springbok starting line-up:
15 – Aphelele Fassi
14 – Kurt-Lee Arendse
13 – Jesse Kriel
12 – Lukhanyo Am
11 – Makazole Mapimpi
10 – Handre Pollard
9 – Cobus Reinach
8 – Jasper Wiese
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon
6 – Marco van Staden
5 – Ruan Nortje
4 – Salmaan Moerat (captain)
3 – Thomas du Toit
2 – Malcolm Marx
1 – Ox Nche
Replacements:
16 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp
18 – Vincent Koch
19 – Eben Etzebeth
20 – Elrigh Louw
21 – Kwagga Smith
22 – Jaden Hendrikse
23 – Manie Libbok