The Springboks head into this Saturday’s all-important clash against Argentina with a few injury-enforced changes as Eben Etzebeth and Damian Willemse replace Lood de Jager and Aphelele Fassi at lock and fullback respectively.
While these changes were anticipated, what comes as an unexpected blow is the unavailability of star utility back Grant Williams.
The 29-year-old has been a regular starter in the Springbok team this season, and also impressed off the bench against the All Blacks in Wellington when he had to fill in on the wing after a number of injuries to backline players.
It was confirmed on Tuesday that Williams is nursing a niggle, and so his place among the replacements will be taken by the inexperienced Morne van den Berg, who has also just recovered from an injury of his own.
Springboks opt against many other changes
Besides a few injury-enforced changes, Rassie Erasmus has largely stuck with the same team that performed so well in Wellington.
“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,” said Erasmus.
“The make-up of this team not only allows us consistency in selection, but we’ll also have the vast experience of Eben Etzebeth and Damian de Allende in the starting team, who are excited to get back on the field again.
“On the bench, Jan-Hendrik (Wessels) covers prop and hooker equally efficiently, so Boan (Venter) gets another chance along with Morne.”
The match kicks off at 17:10 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
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SPRINGBOKS – 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
