The squad for Argentina includes a mixture of experience and emerging talent.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has announced a 28-man squad for their upcoming Rugby Championship clash against Argentina on September 21 at Estadio Unico Madre Ciudades in Santiago.
The squad features the recall of hooker Johan Grobbelaar, while seven key players will be rested as Erasmus continues to manage his player rotation strategy ahead of the final stretch of the tournament.
Grobbelaar returns after impressing in the Australian leg of the competition and will join Malcolm Marx and Jan-Hendrik Wessels in providing cover at Hooker. Wessels, noted for his versatility, can also play prop, adding much needed depth to the front row, considering the power of the Pumas.
The seven players who will sit out the Argentina trip include Bongi Mbonambi, Frans Malherbe, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, and Willie le Roux. Erasmus confirmed that these players will undergo a special training programme before rejoining the squad for the final match against Argentina in Nelspruit on September 28.
Tour squad announcement: #Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named the 28 players that will leave for Argentina on Saturday – more here: https://t.co/F2y9x5E7ph 🛫#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/EDyjENbICP
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 10, 2024
The Springboks currently top the Castle Lager Rugby Championship standings with 18 points after a perfect run of four victories. Argentina, their upcoming opponents, are second with 10 points, followed by New Zealand (7 points) and Australia (4 points). With only two rounds left, the Boks need just three points to secure their first title since 2019.
“This game against Argentina is a crucial one for us,” Erasmus said. “We’re aware of how formidable they are at home, especially after their dominant 67-27 win over Australia last week. This will be a significant test for the group and exactly what we need as we build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”
Erasmus’s decision to rest seven regular starters reflects his belief in the Springboks’ squad depth. He emphasised that this break will allow those players to recharge for the final stages of the championship.
“These players have done a lot this season and deserve time with their families,” Erasmus said. “It’s crucial for us to keep them fresh for the bigger picture.”
The squad for Argentina includes a mixture of experience and emerging talent. Erasmus pointed to players like Johan Grobbelaar, Manie Libbok, and Jaden Hendrikse as key figures who will benefit from more game time in high-pressure situations. Additionally, the inclusion of versatile backs such as Canan Moodie, who can cover centre, wing, and fullback, offers valuable options in the face of possible injuries.
“This squad has a good balance,” Erasmus noted. “We have full confidence in their ability to step up and deliver in a hostile environment. The tour will give our younger players valuable experience, and we’re going to Argentina with the goal of winning.”
The squad assembled in Stellenbosch on Wednesday to prepare for the tour, departing for Argentina on Saturday. With the Rugby Championship title within their grasp, all eyes will be on the Springboks to see if they can maintain their unbeaten run and bring the trophy back to South Africa.
Springbok squad for Argentina tour:
Props: Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp
Hookers: Johan Grobbelaar, Malcolm Marx
Locks: Eben Etzebeth, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Salmaan Moerat, Ruan Nortje
Loose Forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Marco van Staden, Jasper Wiese
Utility Forward: Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse, Cobus Reinach, Grant Williams
Flyhalves: Manie Libbok, Handre Pollard
Centres: Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel
Outside Backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Aphelele Fassi, Makazole Mapimpi
Utility Back: Canan Moodie
With Argentina riding high after a massive win over the Wallabies, the Springboks will need to be at their best to secure the victory and edge closer to the Rugby Championship crown.
