Springboks announce team for Rugby Championship opener against Argentina

South Africa head coach Allister Coetzee has included prop Julian Redelinghuys for the first time in the starting XV for the Rugby Championship opening game against Argentina at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, who made five Test appearances previously will replace Frans Malherbe, who is ruled out with a neck injury. The squad will be further strengthened by the return of Bryan Habana, Johan Goosen, Oupa Mohoje and Lood de Jager as well.

Habana, had earlier missed the Test series against Ireland as he was training with the sevens national team in order to bid a place at the Rio Olympics but the move went unfruitful after he was left out of the 12-man squad.

De Jager will replace Pieter-Steph du Toit in the line-up after making sufficient progress from the calf injury, he sustained in the Ireland series. Meanwhile, Siya Kolisi, who recently underwent an ankle surgery will make way for Mohoje while Goosen has been entrusted with the position of fullback.

Coetzee believes Habana's experience will be handy for the team while also praising Goosen for his flexibility.

“Bryan still has a huge desire to play for the Springboks and he brings added leadership amongst our young backs,” said Coetzee.

“Goosen has played consistently well for his French club and apart from his versatility, he gives us an extra option with his right-footed kicking abilities.

“Julian has played very well for the Lions this season and now gets a deserved starting chance after making an impact from the bench in the previous Tests.

“Oupa has shrugged off his niggling injuries, delivered a string of consistently good performances for the Cheetahs and he is a good option at the back of the lineout and always plays well for the Springboks. We also have the option of Jaco Kriel who can make an impact from the bench.

“Lood is paired with Eben now that he is fully fit again while we are fortunate that Pieter-Steph can also play flank when the need arises, apart from his lock duties.”

Coetzee also urged the team not to take the Pumas lightly.

“Argentina are one of the leading rugby nations if you consider that they have reached the semi-finals of two Rugby World Cups,” said Coetzee.

“They are renowned for their strong scrummaging and mauling, very good defensively and have developed an attacking style of play which will test our defence.”

South Africa Team

15 Johan Goosen, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley, 7 Oupa Mohoje, 6 Francois Louw, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Adriaan Strauss, 1 Tendai Mtawarira

Substitutes: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Steven Kitshoff, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Rudy Paige, 22 Juan de Jongh, 23, Jesse Kriel