Makazole Mapimpi will start at left wing for the Springboks against Argentina on Saturday. Photo: BackpagePix
Siya Kolisi won’t feature and Eben Etzebeth will play off the bench as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus made 10 changes to the starting line-up on Tuesday for Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown with Argentina in Santiago del Estero (11pm SA time start).
Bok captain Kolisi travelled with the squad to South America, but Marco van Staden will start at openside flank in a new-look side compared to the one that began in the 18-12 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town on September 7.
Stormers lock Salmaan Moerat has regained the captaincy role and will start at No 4, with Etzebeth set to equal Victor Matfield’s Bok record of 127 Test caps as a replacement in the second half.
In a freshened up backline, Sharks star Aphelele Fassi returns at fullback after an excellent display in the victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg, while Kurt-Lee Arendse is back at right wing after sitting out the Cape Town clash with concussion.
Lukhanyo Am will resume his new role at inside centre alongside Jesse Kriel, while the experienced Makazole Mapimpi – who recently became a father – will don the No 11 jersey, with Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe resting in Cape Town.
Cobus Reinach has been called back to the starting side for the injured Grant Williams at scrumhalf, where he will partner Handré Pollard, with Manie Libbok on the bench.
Ben-Jason Dixon has been given another chance at blindside flank in place of Pieter-Steph du Toit, and will be keen to make up for his display at Ellis Park, where he made a few unusual errors.
There is another new face in the pack in the shape of powerful tighthead prop Thomas du Toit, while there is a six-two bench split in favour of the forwards, with Libbok and Jaden Hendrikse the only backs.
It will be interesting to see Jan-Hendrik Wessels operate at hooker off the bench, having previously impressed at loosehead prop this year.
“This group features players who have played either against New Zealand, Australia or both, so they have come up against tough opposition in the last few weeks, and this weekend will be equally demanding both physically and mentally, and it excites us as a group,” Erasmus said on Tuesday.
“Many of these combinations have played together this season and they all know how tough Argentina can make things for you on the day if you do not pitch up sharp and battle ready.
“It’s also good to have this mix of youth and experience, while at the same time having a squad that boasts the physicality and X-factor that we need against the Pumas, and we are excited to see what the likes of Jan-Hendrik, Manie, Aphelele and Ben-Jason, among others will bring to this match.
“The fact that Los Pumas are still in the running for the (Rugby Championship) title for the first time ever will drive their team and supporters even more.
“We have no doubt we will be tested to the limit both as a team and the players as individuals, and we are excited to see how they deal with the pressures that come with playing here.”
Springbok Team
15 Aphelele Fassi 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Lukhanyo Am 11 Makazole Mapimpi 10 Handré Pollard 9 Cobus Reinach 8 Jasper Wiese 7 Ben-Jason Dixon 6 Marco van Staden 5 Ruan Nortjé 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain) 3 Thomas du Toit 2 Malcolm Marx 1 Ox Nche.
Bench: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Vincent Koch 19 Eben Etzebeth 20 Elrigh Louw 21 Kwagga Smith 22 Jaden Hendrikse 23 Manie Libbok.
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