Key Talking Points From The Springbok Squad To Face Argentina In Durban
Key Talking Points From The Springbok Squad To Face Argentina In Durban
Key talking points from the Springbok squad as Erasmus sticks with experience for the Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for stability and experience as South Africa prepare to face Argentina in round five of the Rugby Championship at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Saturday. After dismantling New Zealand 43-10 in Wellington less than two weeks ago, Erasmus has kept disruption to a minimum, making just two changes to his starting XV.
The headline inclusion sees the return of Eben Etzebeth, who replaces the injured Lood de Jager at lock. Etzebeth, already the most capped Springbok of all time, will extend his tally to 137 Tests since making his debut in 2012. Damian Willemse shifts from the inside centre position to fullback in place of the injured Aphelele Fassi, while Damian de Allende reclaims the No.12 jersey alongside Canan Moodie in midfield.
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On the bench, Erasmus has shuffled options but has retained a 5–3 split between forwards and backs. Boan Venter returns at loosehead, Jan-Hendrik Wessels covers both hooker and prop, and Morne van den Berg slots in as the reserve scrumhalf. Grant Williams misses out with a niggle.
Kolisi Nears Centurion Status
Captain Siya Kolisi will win his 97th Test cap, leaving him just three games short of joining the elite band of Bok centurions. The Durban crowd will relish the opportunity to watch their hometown favourite lead out the team once more. Four players in the starting XV boast more than 90 Tests: Etzebeth (136), Kolisi (96), Pieter-Steph du Toit (91), and de Allende (91). Between them, the starting side carries 782 caps, an illustration of Erasmus’ preference for proven international pedigree.
The forwards alone account for 526 of those caps, underlining the wealth of experience South Africa will look to bring to the set piece and breakdown battle against a Pumas pack that has made major strides under Felipe Contepomi.
Championship On The Line
This encounter is pivotal in the context of the Championship. The Wallabies currently top the standings on 11 points, with South Africa and New Zealand locked on 10 apiece, and Argentina just one point further back. Any of the four sides could still lift the trophy, making Durban a defining stage.
Argentina have already beaten both New Zealand and Australia in this campaign, feats that underline their growing consistency since joining this competition. Adding the Springboks to that list for the second year running would signal their arrival as genuine title contenders for a second successive championship. South Africa, however, will know history favours them. The Boks have won 33 of 38 Tests against Los Pumas, including 10 of the last 12, though Argentina’s famous 37-25 win in Durban a decade ago remains a reminder of what can happen if standards slip.
Why Consistency Matters
Erasmus framed his selection in terms of cohesion and trust: “Looking at the Pumas team and their strengths, we believe this is the best group for this specific match. Eben and Damian bring vast experience, and the bench mix gives us versatility.”
That emphasis on continuity speaks volumes. The Boks have alternated wins and losses across their last seven Rugby Championship matches, but crucially, they showed their most complete performance in dismantling New Zealand. Maintaining rhythm from that victory appears central to Erasmus’ strategy.
Defensively, the Boks have conceded 21 points or fewer in nine of their last 10 Tests against Argentina, and in Wellington, their line speed, scramble, and turnover pressure suffocated the All Blacks. Expect similar intensity against Los Pumas, particularly at the breakdown, where Malcolm Marx, Kolisi, and Jasper Wiese will look to impose dominance.
Pumas’ Rising Threat
The challenge is clear. Argentina arrive knowing victory would not only keep their Championship hopes alive but also cement a second consecutive year of beating all three SANZAAR rivals. Contepomi’s men have a dynamic edge with Santiago Carreras being in a hot vein of form from the kicking tee, whilst his namesake Matteo Carreras has enjoyed the most gainline success 82% on his 34 carries.
Argentina’s ability to start quickly has been notable; they have led at half-time in each of their last two away Tests. The question is whether they can sustain intensity for 80 minutes against a South African side that thrives on grinding opponents down.
Durban As A Fortress
Kings Park has been a happy hunting ground for the Boks, who have won four of their last five Tests there. The only blemish was last year’s 24-25 loss to Ireland, courtesy of a last-minute Ciaran Frawley drop goal. Against Argentina, South Africa have won their last three at the venue, but their one loss on home soil to Los Pumas did come in Durban on August 8th 2015. The coastal humidity and partisan crowd should work in their favour as they seek to replicate the dominance shown against the All Blacks and put themselves in pole position for the title heading into round six.
Springbok Team To Face Argentina
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
17. Boan Venter
18. Wilco Louw
19. RG Snyman
20. Kwagga Smith
21. Morne van den Berg
22. Manie Libbok
23. Andre Esterhuizen
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