Starting XV vs Argentina (Durban)

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

• Injuries rule out lock Lood de Jager, loose forward Jean-Luc du Preez, and fullback Aphelele Fassi, creating opportunities for others to step up.

• Bongi Mbonambi and Faf de Klerk return to the squad after missing the New Zealand tour, adding experience in the spine positions.

• The front row depth is reinforced with Thomas du Toit, Ox Nche, Vincent Koch, and Wilco Louw all available.

• 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.

• Erasmus has emphasised continuity in preparation, keeping the core squad together for over three months to build cohesion.

Full Squad List

Forwards

Backs

Match Preview

Saturday’s clash in Durban is set to be a key test of the Springboks’ depth and resilience.

• Set piece strength: With experienced front-row options and world-class locks, South Africa will look to dominate scrums and lineouts.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.