The Springboks are coming off the back of a stunning 43-10 victory against the All Blacks, which saw a new-look backline certainly reward the faith that was put in them by the coaches.
Although Rassie Erasmus has happily rotated players when it comes to his selections this season, the stars who performed so well in Wellington have surely earned the opportunity to retain their places.
There will have to be some injury-enforced changes, with Damian Willemse set to shift to fullback to replace Aphelele Fassi, and so Damian de Allende could return at 12. Of course there may be a temptation to hand in-form Andre Esterhuizen a start at inside centre, but he offers so much value on the bench with his ‘hybrid’ utility value as someone who can be deployed on the flank if need be.
At outside centre, Canan Moodie has surely earned the opportunity to start again, meaning Jesse Kriel may well remain on the sidelines. Ethan Hooker should also be an obvious choice to retain his place on the wing.
Meanwhile, Manie Libbok is likely to be in line for a start at 10 after impressing off the bench when Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu picked up an injury.
At scrumhalf, Grant Williams should return to the starting line-up, while one change up front will surely see Eben Etzebeth return in place of injured Lood de Jager.
HERE IS HOW WE THINK THE SPRINGBOKS WILL LINE UP THIS SATURDAY
Springboks (probable): 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Grant Williams, 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 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
READY FOR ACTION
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will name his matchday squad to face Argentina on Tuesday (at 15:00).
<< TICKETS FOR THE DURBAN TEST ARE AVAILABLE HERE >>
The match, which kicks off at 17:10 at Kings Park, marks the Springboks’ final home game of the season, which will undoubtedly spice up what will be a crucial clash, with both teams still in the running to win the title.
“Our performance against the All Blacks (in Wellington) was good, but the Pumas are a completely different team,” said assistant coach Tony Brown.
“They’ve beaten the All Blacks and Wallabies already, so if we don’t pitch up in the right frame of mind, and try to be as dominant as possible, it will be a tough outing.
“It’s vital for us that we get our game plan right this week. We showed patches of good rugby in the last few matches, but we’d like to put together a strong 80-minute performance, and use most of our opportunities, which is something we must still get right.”
