Injuries bite, but Boks back depth for duel Argentina challenges

As the Springboks prepare for their decisive two-Test series against Argentina, confidence in the squad remains strong as the world champions set their sights on securing back-to-back Rugby Championship titles.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity in selection, retaining the core of the squad that thrashed the All Blacks in Wellington. That emphatic 43-10 victory propelled the Boks into second place on the standings, just one point behind Australia (11), and gave them crucial momentum heading into the final stretch.

However, the build-up has not been without setbacks. Injuries to key players Lood de Jager (lock), Jean-Luc du Preez (loose forward), and Aphelele Fassi (fullback) have forced adjustments. In response, Erasmus has turned to hooker Bongi Mbonambi, whose leadership and composure could prove vital against Los Pumas.

The two Tests will be staged in Durban next Saturday (September 27) and at Twickenham (October 4). A maximum return from these matches would put the Boks in a commanding position to defend their crown. Meanwhile, the Wallabies and All Blacks will face off in back-to-back clashes in Auckland and Perth.

Erasmus and his management have rotated through an extraordinary 46 players across their last eight matches, including the Barbarians fixture earlier this season. That depth has been a hallmark of South Africa’s campaign. Still, with the title on the line, Erasmus has resisted the urge to rotate too heavily.

“We’ve chopped and changed our squad a fair bit this season, playing a total of 46 players in our last eight matches,” Erasmus explained in a statement.

“By training together almost daily, we are confident these players give us the best shot at retaining the title. The bonus is that so many others have been part of the system, attended our alignment camps in recent seasons, and are knocking hard on the door.

“Unfortunately, we could only select a limited number for these matches, but we’ll continue to keep an eye on the rest.”

The Springboks will reassemble in camp on Thursday in Durban, where players will undergo medicals. Erasmus indicated that three more players could be added to the 33-man squad, although only 30 will travel to London.

That final clash at Twickenham could well decide the title — particularly if the Bledisloe Cup encounters between Australia and New Zealand break South Africa’s way. For the Boks, the equation is simple: win both games against Argentina and hope their great rivals cancel each other out.

Erasmus will have some key decisions to make ahead of next week’s team announcement, with anticipation growing to see who will start at flyhalf, in the midfield and as the Boks’ lock pairing.

Springbok squad to face Argentina

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, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Morne van den Berg, Damian Willemse, Grant Williams.