Springboks Coach Rassie Erasmus Sticks with Winning Formula for Argentina Clash

Springboks Coach Rassie Erasmus Sticks with Winning Formula for Argentina Clash

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has retained most of the side that impressed against New Zealand in the opening round of the Rugby Championship

Only two adjustments feature in the starting XV for Saturday’s clash with Argentina in Durban, underscoring Erasmus’s preference for continuity.

Also Read: Springboks Crush All Blacks in Record-Breaking Rugby Championship Victory

Key Changes Highlighted

Siya Kolisi remains captain in his 97th Test, while double World Cup winners Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse step in for the injured Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi at lock and full-back, respectively. Willemse’s shift to full-back allows Damian de Allende to return at inside centre, forming an exciting midfield combination with Canan Moodie.

Bench Reshuffle Adds Depth

Erasmus has also made three changes to the replacements bench. Boan Venter joins to cover loosehead prop, Jan-Hendrik Wessels shifts to provide hooker cover, and Morne van den Berg takes over as back-up scrum-half from Grant Williams, who is nursing a minor niggle.

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

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

Respecting a Formidable Opponent

Despite keeping faith with his winning side, Erasmus warned against underestimating Argentina.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas, and if one takes into consideration that they beat New Zealand and Australia in the first four rounds of the competition, as well as the British & Irish Lions earlier in the season, there’s no doubt we’ll treat them the respect they deserve,” he said.

“They’ve made big strides in the last few seasons, and have an astute coach in Felipe Contepomi, so we know they are going to throw everything at us. Adding to that, they boast a strong forward pack and extremely talented backs, so they pose threats all around.”

Momentum and Preparation

With the squad largely unchanged, Erasmus believes his players are ready for the challenge Argentina presents. The mix of experience, continuity, and depth — particularly on the bench — aims to keep the Springboks on track in the Rugby Championship and build on the confidence from their impressive Wellington victory.