The Springboks assembled in Durban last week Thursday to begin their preparations for this weekend’s encounter against Argentina (kick of at 17:10).
After a bold and brave team selection paid off in a big way against the All Blacks in Wellington, it will be interesting to see what sort of team selection Rassie Erasmus opts for as the team heads into battle against the Pumas.
It’s now been confirmed that the Springbok team will be named at 15:00 on Tuesday.
LATEST SQUAD:
Forwards – Pieter-Steph du Toit, Thomas du Toit, Eben Etzebeth, Vincent Koch, Siya Kolisi, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Franco Mostert, Ox Nche, Ruan Nortje, Kwagga Smith, RG Snyman, Marnus van der Merwe, Marco van Staden, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Jasper Wiese.
Backs – Damian de Allende, Faf de Klerk, Andre Esterhuizen, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Manie Libbok, Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.
Springbok team have it all to play for
The Springboks are currently in second position on the Rugby Championship standings on 10 points, the same amount of log points as the third-placed All Blacks following their record 43-10 victory against their old foes in Wellington.
The Wallabies top the table on 11 points, with the fourth-placed Pumas on nine points, meaning the title race is wide open going into the closing two rounds.
Title on the line
Erasmus made no secret of the fact that it would be an immense battle in Durban, but he said they were pleased to be back on local soil and hoped they could make the most of the opportunity to make their supporters and the country proud in what would mark their last game of the year in South Africa.
“This match is significant in many ways,” said Erasmus. “It’s not only essential to get a good result to stay in the running to defend our title, but it’s also our last home game of the year, and we want to thank our fans for their passionate support throughout the year.
“That said, we are under no illusions that it’s going to take a top-class performance to achieve our goal in this match, but we will leave no stone unturned in trying to achieve that.”
