Massive: Springbok Field an Exciting New-Look backline to face Argentina
The Springboks are set to field an exciting new-look backline for the upcoming Test against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.
Throughout this Rugby Championship, the Springboks have mixed and matched with their selections, and it will be no different for their next Test against Argentina.
A win would ensure the Springboks wrap up the title, but Rassie Erasmus has already stated that he is more than happy to back players in his wider squad.
On the eve of the tour, it’s also worth remembering that Grant Williams – who started at scrumhalf for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Cape Town last weekend – was ruled out with injury, and was replaced by Morne van den Berg.
The talented Lions star made his debut against Portugal in Bloemfontein and earned his first start in the green and gold against Australia in Perth last month.
Meanwhile, with seven frontline players rested for this next match, it’s expected that the likes of Manie Libbok will receive some long-awaited game-time.
This is how we expect the Springbok backline to line up on attack against Argentina:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse.
The Springboks departed for Argentina on Saturday afternoon, and will enter the match as the only unbeaten team in the competition, needing three more log points from their next two matches against Los Pumas to seal the title for the first time since 2019.
However, Erasmus refused to write off the hosts, who defeated New Zealand in their opening match of the tournament and registered a 67-27 win against Australia last week to stay in the title race.
“It doesn’t matter how one looks at it – we don’t want to lose against Argentina, and it’s exactly the same for them,” said Erasmus.
“They must firmly believe they are still in the running for the trophy, so whether we win, or they win, both teams will be very hungry.”
Springbok squad for Argentina tour:
Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls).
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Siya Kolisi (Sharks), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks).
Utility forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg (Lions).
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks).
Utility back: Canan Moodie (Bulls).
DO YOU THINK THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP IS ALREADY IN THE BAG?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.