Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed his 33-man squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban. The Boks stick with much of the group that delivered a dominant win over New Zealand, but injuries to key players have forced some adjustments.
Starting XV vs Argentina (Durban)
Position |
Player |
|---|---|
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 / Bench
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
Key Changes & Highlights
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Injuries rule out lock Lood de Jager, loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, and fullback Aphelele Fassi, creating opportunities for others to step up.
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Bongi Mbonambi and Faf de Klerk return to the squad after missing the New Zealand tour, adding experience in the spine positions.
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The front row depth is reinforced with Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Wilco Louw all available.
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In the backline, exciting options such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, and Manie Libbok add attacking variety alongside proven stars Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, and Makazole Mapimpi.
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Erasmus has emphasised continuity in preparation, keeping the core squad together for over three months to build cohesion.
Full Squad List
Forwards
Position |
Player |
|---|---|
Loosehead Prop |
Ox Nche |
Loosehead Prop |
Boan Venter |
Hooker |
Malcolm Marx |
Hooker |
Bongi Mbonambi |
Hooker |
Marnus van der Merwe |
Tighthead Prop |
Thomas du Toit |
Tighthead Prop |
Vincent Koch |
Tighthead Prop |
Wilco Louw |
Tighthead Prop |
Jan-Hendrik Wessels |
Lock |
Eben Etzebeth |
Lock |
Franco Mostert |
Lock |
RG Snyman |
Lock |
Ruan Nortje |
Flank |
Siya Kolisi |
Flank |
Pieter-Steph du Toit |
Flank |
Marco van Staden |
Flank |
Kwagga Smith |
No. 8 |
Jasper Wiese |
Backs
Position |
Player |
|---|---|
Scrum-half |
Faf de Klerk |
Scrum-half |
Cobus Reinach |
Scrum-half |
Grant Williams |
Scrum-half |
Morne van den Berg |
Fly-half |
Handré Pollard |
Fly-half |
Manie Libbok |
Fly-half |
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu |
Centre |
Damian de Allende |
Centre |
Jesse Kriel |
Centre |
Andre Esterhuizen |
Centre/Utility Back |
Damian Willemse |
Wing |
Cheslin Kolbe |
Wing |
Makazole Mapimpi |
Wing |
Canan Moodie |
Wing |
Ethan Hooker |
Match Preview
Saturday’s clash in Durban is set to be a key test of the Springboks’ depth and resilience.
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Set piece strength: With experienced front-row options and world-class locks, South Africa will look to dominate scrums and lineouts.
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Backline balance: The mix of seasoned campaigners like Kolbe, Kriel, and De Allende with emerging stars such as Hooker and Feinberg-Mngomezulu provides a blend of power and flair.
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Leadership: Siya Kolisi continues to anchor the loose trio, while Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and other senior players ensure stability across the park.
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Bench impact: As always, the “bomb squad” will be crucial in the final quarter, where Argentina are expected to bring intensity at the breakdown and in open play.
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