South Africa change two for Rugby Championship clash against Argentina

Eben Etzebeth has returned to the Springboks line-up for their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina in Durban.

The 136-cap lock replaces Lood de Jager, who has been ruled out with injury. His presence brings additional experience to a pack that dominated New Zealand in Wellington.

Full-back Aphelele Fassi is also sidelined following the injury he sustained against the All Blacks. Damian Willemse shifts to No. 15 after impressing in that position, while Damian de Allende joins Canan Moodie in midfield.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu keeps his place at fly-half despite Manie Libbok’s strong showing off the bench in the last match.

Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made just two changes to the starting side, preferring consistency as South Africa aim to build momentum.

On the bench, Boan Venter, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Morne van den Berg are drafted in as replacements. Erasmus said the balance of the team provides both stability and experience.

“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 and Damian de Allende in the starting team, who are excited to get back on the field again.

“This is a vital match for both us and the Pumas, and if one takes into consideration that they beat New Zealand and Australia in the first four rounds of the competition, as well as the British & Irish Lions earlier in the season, there’s no doubt we’ll treat them the respect they deserve.”

Only two points separate all four teams in the Rugby Championship table, with Australia leading on 11, one point ahead of both South Africa and New Zealand. Argentina remain in contention after earlier wins over New Zealand and Australia.

South Africa XV: 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

Reserves: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